Just wondering, I see it on Abrams and Challengers and I want to know what it means.

it means allied or coalition forces,


just another form of ID for air forces

<insert pointed jab at US air force target recognition>

I believe it started during Desert Storm because so many countries were there with us.

We actually have one HMMWV in our motor pool that still hasn't been repainted from Desert Storm and has the mark.

Then why does it change direction? I've seen it pointing all 4 ways.

Couldn't tell you why the change directions, but maybe the main countries designate themselves with a certain direction.

Originally Posted by hicks

Couldn't tell you why the change directions, but maybe the main countries designate themselves with a certain direction.

I don't think that's the reason. I've seen it pointing both left and right on the Challengers II, and in all directions on the Abrams.

Then it doesn't matter which direction it's facing, they are coalition forces.

More than likely, they just gave each unit a stencil and said, here, paint this on the side of your vehicles.

And thus you end up with it facing different direction.

Regardless of how much you want to dig into this, the answer has been provided.

different divisions i think

it`s also highly visible through night vision, its basically a recognition marking.

Originally Posted by chewie_nz

it means allied or coalition forces,


just another form of ID for air forces

<insert pointed jab at US air force target recognition>

Heck chewie ya got get close enough to the deck to see the target, before target recognition becomes a factor. Angels 15 ain't low enough. :P