In 1976, the Bundeswehr in Germany developed a number of prototype camouflage patterns, to be trialled as replacements for the solid olive-grey "moleskin" combat uniform. At least four distinct camouflage patterns were tested during Bundeswehr Truppenversuch 76 ("Bundeswehr Troop Trial 76"). One was called "Dots" or "Points", and one was called "Ragged Leaf" or "Saw Tooth Edge". Of the patterns tested, that which is today known as Flecktarn was selected for adoption. The word is a composite formed from the German words Fleck (spot, blot, or pattern) and Tarnung (camouflage). The Bundeswehr kept its green combat dress throughout the 1980s, however. Flecktarn was only widely introduced in 1990, after trials beginning in 1988. [source: wiki]
Magic Cube Toys seems to have kept the best for later ;p After the bad showing of the MC Toys Armed Girl series 1/6 scale Desert Flecktarn Suit for 12" female figures (previewed HERE in my earlier toy blog post), Magic Cube has now released pictures of NOT one but TWO German Camouflage outfit sets for 12-inch male figures and these include the 12-inch figure as well :)
The KSK Kommando Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Command, KSK) is an elite military unit composed of Special Operations soldiers handpicked from each of the ranks of Germany’s Bundeswehr and organized as such under the Division Spezielle Operationen (Special Operations Division, DSO). The unit has received many decorations and awards from NATO, the USA and its affiliates. Modeling itself on the British Army's Special Air Service and the US Army Special Forces, KSK operators are frequently requested for joint anti-terror operations, notably in the Balkans and Middle East.
Magic Cube Toys or MC Toys (ITEM No. MCM-011W) 1/6 scale KSK - Flecktarnmuster 12-inch military action figure set will come with Real Like Head sculpt (football fans might like this particular head sculpt), 12-inch Action Figure Body, G-36 Assault Rifle, Magazine X 5, Flecktarn Chest Rig, Flecktarn Smock, Flecktarn Pants, T-shirt, Beanie, Skull Pattern Scarf, Combat Boot
In Germany, the Flecktarn camouflage pattern is used by all Bundeswehr service branches, the Heer (army), the Luftwaffe (air force), some Marine (navy) units and even the Sanitätsdienst (medical service). It is also used by snipers of the Österreichisches Bundesheer (Federal Army of Austria) and Belgian Air Force ground personnel and airborne infantry. France tested Flecktarn for use, but rejected it; the Dutch army also tested and rejected it, allegedly because it was "too aggressive". Flecktarn was seen as controversial because of its (vague) resemblance to the Waffen-SS "peas" and "oak leaves" patterns, which also used dots in various colours.
Flecktarn is the basis for Bundeswehr Wüstentarn (desert camouflage), Danish T/78 camouflage and Danish M/84 camouflage, including a desert variation of the Danish pattern.
Magic Cube Toys or MC Toys (Item No. MCM-011D) KSK - desert flecktarn 12-inch figure will come with 1/6 scale Real Like Head sculpt, 12-inch Action BodyG-36 Assault Rifle, Magazine X 5, Flecktarn Chest Rig, Flecktarn Smock, Flecktarn Pants, T-shirt, Beanie, Skull Pattern Scarf, Combat Boots
The MC Toys Flecktarn set 12-inch military action figure comes with a 1/6 scale head sculpt meant to resemble Michael Ballack, retired German professional footballer. He is among the top goal scorers in the history of his international team. Ballack has worn the number 13 shirt for every team he has played for except for Kaiserslautern. He was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players, and as the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002.
Michael Ballack was never in the military but he has certainly done his duties and his country proud as a footballer for Germany so it's nice to have a 12-inch figure with Michael Ballack's likeness.
MC Toys may have disappointed with the Armed Girl series 1/6 scale Desert Flecktarn Suit for 12" female figures but has more than made up for it with these two offerings. Great sets and great options for us collectors :)
I had posted earlier of another famous German wearing the Flecktarn camouflage set released by Armoury some time back. See the pictures in my 2008 post Operation Enduring Freedom 10 - "Schumacher" HERE :)
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