>When Nato performs multi-lateral war games and training exercises they use armbands because the 'sides' or 'teams' are made up and everyone is wearing the same uniforms etc. When the conflict is made up you need armbands to tell you who your enemies are supposed to be. Food for thought How do you go from "when everyone is wearing the same uniform they wear armbands to tell each other apart" to "when the conflict is made up you need armbands"?