It may not be proper military procedure but I have learned to paint my tools, chains, snatch blocks etc. with a color that will show up laying on the ground. It is surprising how fast these things can disappear. I got my truck stuck in a mud hole one dark and stormy night. I spent more time looking for my tools after I recovered the vehicle than I did actually recovering it. At a distance you can hardly tell my pioneer tools have bright yellow handles. On a side note a OD green chainsaw looks cool in a m35 but disappears when you set it down in the woods.
Pete