What is the purpose of concealment in tactical operations?

The purpose of concealment in tactical operations is fundamentally to remain unseen by a threat. Concealment allows individuals or teams to hide from enemies or potential dangers, making it more difficult for adversaries to detect their presence or intentions. By effectively using concealment, forces can prepare for actions without exposing themselves, thereby maintaining the element of surprise, gathering intelligence, or executing strategic maneuvers without drawing attention.

Complete protection is not achievable through concealment alone; it merely minimizes visibility. While communication is important in tactical operations, concealment specifically refers to avoiding detection rather than improving communication lines. Creating a distraction involves active measures to divert attention from a location or activity, which differs from the passive nature of concealment focused on staying hidden. Therefore, the essence of concealment lies in its ability to keep operators unnoticed, safeguarding them from being targeted by threats.