Our Favorite Chuckle, and The Perfect Topic For Halloween...by Anne Elizabeth

When I first learned that this month’s CASA Blog theme is Things That Go Bump In The Night, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about: men and their camouflage applications.  Yes, that’s right – make-up!  For centuries, warriors (the Celts immediately spring to mind) have worn face coverings – masks and various feature-obliterating paints – over their visages to assist them in battle.  Oftentimes, using mud, clay, leaves, and a mixture of wines, dyes, and berries to aid their mission, they draw on their faces or don a covering before they set forth on their journey.

Now, several of us – Navy SEAL wives – love to tease our husbands about wearing makeup; yes, the gooey stuff that comes in a multitude of hues.  No matter whether it's mud browns or tans, leaf greens or flat black, this camo cover can be a major benefit for our men on their sensitive military Ops.  In my opinion, this is a helpful way for Navy SEAL men to keep things from going RAT-TAT-TAT or rather 'bump in the night.'

Many branches of our military, including our SEALs, wear no-glare camo cover to mask the color of their skin, to absorb light so it doesn’t bounce off their faces or unintentionally give away their position, and to help them hide in the shadows or darkness away from their enemies' sight. Among the types used are: black/olive drab jungle stick for night or with lightened hues for daytime such as light green/loam; green, grey, brown, and tan face paint for desert; brown/black crème in a tube for night; olive, black, grey, and brown for the woodlands are often in a compact. According to my husband, the sticks are easier to carry, because the tubes can leak, ooze, or create other problems.  The compacts carry a lot of color options, but they have a mirror and this can create a disadvantage if you need to reapply in a tricky place because a momentary flash can be created by any reflective surface if it picks up ambient light.  So, it is individual preference as to which type of camo to use.  Afterward, though, it washes off with soap and water or there is always the make-up/handy wipe.
 

Although it might be a favorite topic of laughter, I am grateful they use it.  This little trick hides their presence so they can do their jobs: slipping in efficiently and undetected, performing the necessary operation, and then getting out again safely, quietly, and effectively with none the wiser.  

The only individuals we want walking in the shadows is them – our military men – until their work is done...and then it is time for them to come home safely to our arms.  We love them, and this is one of our favorite ways to lighten the load and bring humor to their very dangerous lives.  What do you tease your loved ones about to make a hurdle or situation easier?  Does it take the scariness out of the night?

A Joyful, Safe, and Happy Halloween to all!  Hooyah & Hugs!