What is the primary difference between cover and concealment?

The primary difference between cover and concealment lies in their functional properties when it comes to protection during a combat situation. Cover refers to objects or structures that provide protection against gunfire or projectiles, effectively stopping bullets or other forms of attack. For instance, a solid wall or a vehicle can serve as cover, allowing individuals to shield themselves from harm.

In contrast, concealment involves hiding from view without necessarily providing protection from bullets or other threats. Objects that offer concealment may allow a person to be unseen by an enemy, but they do not offer any physical defense against incoming fire. Therefore, while both cover and concealment play important roles in tactical situations, the key distinction is that cover actively protects, whereas concealment only provides invisibility.

Understanding this difference is vital for individuals in tactical scenarios, as relying solely on concealment does not safeguard against bullet impacts, which can be detrimental in a combat environment.