The () or KLMK is a military uniform with a camouflage pattern developed in 1968 by the Soviet Union to overcome the widespread use of night vision optics and devices by NATO countries. This one-piece camouflage coverall became one of the most widely used in the Soviet Union.
In , the KLMK two piece camouflage suit was still in production. The pattern is sometimes known as the .
The KLMK was issued to KGB Border Guards in service dress uniforms. It was later seen with their forces sent to Afghanistan during the SovietâÂÂAfghan War.
Birch camouflage is 2-color design and consists of light angular ("toothed") spots in the shape of leaves on a green-olive background. The standard camouflage pattern exists in two color versions: with spots of light gray color; with spots of yellow-sand color (this version was used mainly by KGB border guards). The background color of both variants is olive, sometimes there are swamp-colored specimens. In any case, the background in this color scheme is always darker than the spots. The spots themselves have "angular" edges consisting of many small squares. The KLMK is made with a digitalized spatter-like pattern.
The KZS ( or ) is a two-piece camouflage suit, designed for use by chemical troops. Made of coarse loose weave cotton fabric (possibly burlap). It was first issued to Soviet chemical troops in 1975 and was later widely used by troops from all combat arms, especially during the Afghan war.
The KZS was made to be disposable once used in a chemical environment it cannot be used any longer.
It is also known as the (), Color 57, (), or ()
A clone of the KLMK was made for the films Red Dawn and Rambo 3.