Uses for a Shemagh

[CharlesHarris]

The keffiyeh (or shemagh) is the traditional desert head wrap originating from the Arabic turban used for centuries. In modern military use its value as a survival kit dates from the North African campaign of WWII where the British Special Air Service exploited its potential. The desert scarf has been standard SAS desert kit ever since and its use has spread to to other NATO militaries in present day use in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The keffiyeh was originally used for protection against hostile environmental conditions, providing protection against sun, wind, sandstorms and the cold at night. Next to his rifle, knife and boots, it is one of the most useful pieces of kit a desert soldier can have. Typical examples are of loose weave cotton fabric about 1 metre square.

While intended primarily as a head wrap, the keffiyeh has multiple other uses:

* dust mask and veil to keep sun, snow, wind, sand and dust out of the eyes, face and from going down the neck
* sniper’s concealment – used as face veil to hide the shape of the face
- around the neck to retain heat in cold or absorb sweat and protect the neck from sunburn during heat of the day
- first aid as improvised cravat, or compression bandage or sling for wounded arm
- sun shade while resting
- blinders for pack horses, camels or mules
- improvised foot wrap replacing a lost sock, puttee or gaiter
- carrying bundle for when foraging food
- improvised tote for organizing loose gear in the ruck
- towel, wash cloth
- improvised rope or equipment sling
- improvised sieve
- as a dip net for catching minnows or small marine life in a pool
- to immerse foraged food items to be cooked in a "rock boil"

These were the ones I was taught in the US military. There are many more.