Why should the ground cover be removed before completing the fighting hole?

Removing the ground cover before completing the fighting hole primarily serves to camouflage the position effectively. By eliminating the natural vegetation and surface layer of soil, you can create a more discrete and less visible position for troops. The surrounding landscape can be blended into the fighting hole, making it harder for enemy forces to detect the presence of the soldiers within. Effective camouflage is crucial in maintaining operational security and can significantly increase the chances of survival and mission success during combat situations.

While there are considerations regarding soil quality, soil erosion, and storage for later use, they do not align as directly with the primary objective of enhancing camouflage. In combat scenarios, maintaining visual concealment from potential threats is a critical aspect of defensive positioning.