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What are Mimicking Operations?

Introduction Mimicking operations is a tactical concept, developed under Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, to explain a form of deception, commonly used by terrorists in their attacks. The concept is commonly used in military tactical modelling and scientific simulation; and is connected to the idea of shielding friendly forces (as well as foes) from detection… Read More

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Who was Victor Jones?

Introduction Lieutenant Colonel Victor Harry Jones OBE (b. 1898) was a British intelligence officer and “visual deception” expert during the Second World War. First serving with the 14th/20th King’s Hussars in the First World War, he made a name for himself during the North African campaign of the Second World War by using dummy tanks… Read More

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What is a Quaker Gun?

Introduction A Quaker gun is a deception tactic that was commonly used in warfare during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although resembling an actual cannon, the Quaker gun was simply a wooden log, usually painted black, used to deceive an enemy. Misleading the enemy as to the strength of an emplacement was an effective delaying… Read More

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An Overview of Russian Military Deception

Introduction Russian military deception, sometimes known as maskirovka (Russian: маскировка, lit. ’disguise’), is a military doctrine developed from the start of the 20th century. The doctrine covers a broad range of measures for military deception, from camouflage to denial and deception. Deceptive measures include concealment, imitation with decoys and dummies, manoeuvres intended to deceive, denial, and… Read More

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What is a Paradummy?

Introduction A paradummy is a military deception device first used in World War II, intended to imitate a drop of paratroop attackers. This can cause the enemy to shift forces or fires unnecessarily, or lure enemy troops into staged ambushes. Outline The dolls used for Operation Titanic were nicknamed Rupert by British troops and Oscar… Read More

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What is a Feigned Retreat?

Introduction A feigned retreat is a military tactic, a type of feint, whereby a military force pretends to withdraw or to have been routed, in order to lure an enemy into a position of vulnerability. A feigned retreat is one of the more difficult tactics for a military force to undertake, and requires well-disciplined soldiers.… Read More