Section VI. QUICK FIX COMBAT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

TM 5-2420-224-10

Section VI. QUICK FIX COMBAT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

2-16. COMBAT IDENTIFICATION PANEL (CIP) SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

General.

The Combat Identification Panel provides a combat identification capability to reduce fratricide. The CIP is

designed to provide a contrasting "Cold Spot" on a hot target, when viewed through a Thermal Imaging Device

(TID). CIPs have been designed for each vehicle so as to not interfere with vehicle operation on combat load.

CIP provides a 360-degree aspect capability.

The Combat Identification Panel (CIP) is approximately 24 in. by 30 in. (61 cm by 76 cm) and covered on one side

with low emissivity thermal tape that requires no power source to work. The CIP is attached to the vehicle with

bolts, Velcro or mounting frames. CIPs can be mounted in an operational mode (thermal tape out) or reversed to

a non-operational mode (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint side out). When viewed through FLIR

thermal sensors, the CIP shows up as a contrasting cold spot on the target image. In the engagement process, a

gunner would use this contrast to determine if the target vehicle is friendly or unknown. Tests show that the use

of CIP affects the image gunners see through their thermal sights. The CIP is mounted to provide all aspect

coverage. However, terrain features, such as trees and other vegetation, proper defilade firing positions, and

other obstacles will break up the thermal imaging of any vehicle. Each vehicle has from three to five panels and

each panel has its own part number and National Stock Number (NSN). Each vehicle has an overall set national

stock number for the Green or Tan vehicle configuration.

2-17. COMBAT IDENTIFICATION PANEL (CIP) DAILY OPERATIONAL/PRE-COMBAT

INSPECTIONS

The Combat Identification Panels should be given a higher priority of effort when conducting daily operational

checks (DOCs), pre-combat inspections (PCIs), and preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS).

When employed properly, CIPs can significantly improve identification of friendly forces, reduce fratricide, and

save lives. Inspection of the CIPs during the daily operational checks or pre-combat inspections requires a few

simple steps:

Before Operations:

Ensure that all CIPs are present and securely attached to the vehicle.

If a CIP is missing, inform your supervisor.

Ensure CIPs are in the operational mode.

Check all CIP brackets to ensure that they are present, are not bent, and allow the panel insert to be

removed with ease.

If a bracket, panel, or panel insert is bent, attempt to straighten.

If the bracket, panel, or panel insert cannot be corrected, a replacement assembly can be requested.

NOTE

Do not attempt to paint the thermal tape.

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