Heres another tip for actually painting the pattern. Find your pattern, and if you can just a flat thumbnail. For this I usually just search this website http://www.kamouflage.net/. They have lots of information on each camouflage, when it was made, where it was fielded. Also there is a thumbnail you can usually copy for actual reference. I find it easier to work with when it's laid out flat with no shadows as opposed to on a figure or real soldier.
Once you have your thumbnail reduce it to the scale your working with. Now start practicing using the thumbnail as referance. It's worked for me on my 1/72 figures, I just dont have the right colours on hand ever lol.
Good brushes really do make the difference too. I actually plan on buying some today from KMS tools in the hobbies section. They have nice sets of brushes for cheaper than hobby shop prices, and they're good quality too.
Hope this helps and good luck.
My real name is Cam.
Interest: anything 1/72, right now mostly sci-fi and modern
In progress:
1/72 Sci-fi diorama (link in my web)
1/72 Leopard 2A5
1/72 APC Conversion to a MEGA DESTROYER