Well known recognition markings include the five pointed star painted on Allied vehicles hours before the D-Day landings and the inverted V used during the Gulf War. Such markings are intended to aid recognition and reduce the risk of casualties resulting from 'friendly fire' where the forces of more than one country operate together. The following recognition markings have been used by the French Army on its vehicles including the M201 and include an indication of the weight category of the vehicle concerned.

armée de Terre 1950's & 1960's

During the 1950's and 60's the French Army recognition mark was a white flaming grenade on each side of the jeep as shown but the position could be as low as just above the step. In the case of a jeep it included the number 1 painted in black to indicate that it was it belonged to the lightest class of four categories of military vehicles (1 - 4). This information was used to calculate how many vehicles could be safely loaded on to French Railway wagons for transportation. A tricolour was painted to the left of the registration number and unit badges were sometimes also painted on the bumper.

armée de Terre 1970's

In the 1970's the flaming grenade was replaced by a white painted circle or vinyl sticker. The system of classification was also revised to include five classes (0 - 4), zero being the lightest group. The position, as shown, again varied. A vinyl tricolour sticker was placed to the left of the registration number on the front bumper and rear number plate or cross-member.

armée de Terre 1980's

In the 1980's the mark became a similar black zero but on a grey circle (painted) and finally in the 90's the Sword and Tricolour on a grey circle (sticker). The vinyl sticker (shown right) replaced the tricolour on the front bumper and rear number plate. Relatively few jeeps remaining in service rather than in reserve received these later recognition markings.

Thanks to JLM for the diagrams of the dimensions.