Table Of ContentNIGHT OPERATIONS
OUT OF THE DARK:
NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT FOR THE INFANTRY
By WO John Marshall and Lt Jeff Gill
ts
ed
ce
Forward
Lt Gill and I originally wrote "OUT THE DARK" in Dec 1998 after ou
experiences during an OPFOR rotation at NTC. The article was the
after my tour in Kosovo (Jul -Dec 1999) and then published in Vol 3
Infantry Journal and also posted at the Infantry Association's web s
Although the article is now almost 3 years old, I believe it's conten
true today.
John Marshall Sep 2001
The Reality
The historically based and hard-earned reputation of Canadian infa
being aggressive and effective night fighters is currently being put
question through a reluctance by soldiers to fully employ currently
night vision devices (NVD’s) coupled with an inadequate allotment
required equipment. Unlike the past where boldness, stamina and
could win the day or night, modern night operations require up-to-d
equipment and procedures. Unfortunately, the equipment acquisitio
Canadian Infantry Corps has not kept pace with the advances in m
technology. The situation has evolved to a point where the dismou
Canadian soldier with limited Gen-2 and NVDs no longer possesse
capability to effectively fight at night; this shortfall is especially clea
comparing our dismounted infantry’s ability to that our allies and po
adversaries.
More bluntly stated, we will not be able to see the enemy, so we w
"Many of the world’s armies and militias possess some kind of
fighting equipment, ranging from high-tech radars to sophistica
night vision goggles. It is relatively easy to procure most of this
equipment at reasonable rates on the world market."
US Army Centre for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) "Own the N
No. 96-3 Mar 96
able to kill him. More critically though, our current disadvantage wil
that our soldiers will be unnecessarily put at risk by allowing them t
in situations where they cannot.
The Analysis
It will be useful to address this problem by examining the three follo
combat functions: manoeuvre, fire power and command. All three o
are affected by the shortfalls that exist in our NVD stores. It is impo
keep in mind, however, that more equipment alone is not the soluti
our problems. The correct attitude of individual soldiers about the
employment of NVD’s must also be guaranteed; it is unacceptable
night vision goggles (NVG’s) dangling around soldiers’ necks inste
being mounted to a head harness or helmet. The optimistic news is
estimate shows an entire battalion could be outfitted with the ability
the night" for less than two million dollars (roughly the price of one
The Prescription
1. Manoeuvre
In order for infantry sub-units to move and fight at night, every sold
requires some type of NVD. These devices allow the soldier to eng
targets at the maximum range of his personal weapon and manoeu
across the battlefield with good situational awareness.
The infantry needs to replace all of their current Gen-2 and older G
NVD’s with the far superior Gen-3 Omni-5 models. The authors sug
the minimum number required by dismounted infantry sections is o
NVG’s per fire team. With these, the sect will be able to move at ni
does in the day. However, as noted earlier, in order to take full adv
the technology, leaders and soldiers must wear them at all times. W
initial training will be difficult and resisted by some soldiers, the ben
soon become clear to leaders.
"As a result of the many incidents which occurred at night, it beca
clear to me that the Army, and in particular the Infantry, needs to
place more emphasis on training for night operations. This trainin
must include night shooting, FIBUA, and counter- infiltration
operations. As well, this training must acknowledge the fact that
many of the world's belligerents now have access to STANO
equipment approximating our own;
OPERATIONAL LESSONS LEARNED: 1 PPCLI ON OP HARMO
ROTO 4
COMMANDING OFFICER'S CONCLUDING REMARKS
NVG’s should have the ability to be mounted to the helmet and flip
same manner as an aviator’s or the US Army's PVS-7Ds. The LAV
comd requires NVG’s in addition to the gunner’s thermal sight to en
to operate with his head outside of the turret. This would increase h
peripheral vision capabilities and assist him in maintaining situation
awareness; both of these would be lost if he remained inside the tu
focused on the thermal sight.
During the A Coy 1 PPCLI deployment to NTC Roto 9901, a four
standing patrol (with soldiers who had been trained to wear NVG’
while on-the-move) wearing NVG’s was able to out-manoeuvre a
enemy recce det; the patrol also maintained contact with a
dismounted enemy rifle coy - which was incidentally not wearing t
NVGs - and remained undetected.
Photo J Marshall
Sentry wearing PVS-504A outside the wire in Kosovo.
The PVS-504A Gen-3 NVGs are still sub-standard compared to G
3 Omni-5 NVGs.
Wearing NVGs and a helmet is very uncomfortable. We need a
helmet mount for the NVGs!
Note: We could not mount our Kite sights or PAQ-4B on the C-9s
gunner must observe his tracer to get on target.
Helmet-mounted PVS-7D NVGs
Gen-3 Omni-5 $4,400 US
Photo: ITT
Note: PVS-7Ds automatically
on or off when flipped up or do
NSN –5855-01-461-8169
Price: $3595. US
A possible alternative to the AN/PVS-7D is the AN/PVS-14. This m
flexibility is unsurpassed in that it can be used as a hand-held, helm
mounted or weapon-mounted NVD. It is currently being issued to U
battalions. Its great advantage is that in helmet-mounted mode it le
eye unrestricted to allow for increased situational awareness.
An added piece of available equipment to be considered for limited
is the afocal magnifier lens that can be attached to PVS-7D Gen-3
NVGs or PVS-14. It would be useful for soldiers who require long-r
observation capabilities (such as pl comds) who do not necessarily
weapon sight. It is especially worthy of consideration because of its
low procurement cost.
With a PVS-7D (NVG) and one of these afocal lenses, the user ga
NVD capability; he can move at night using the NVGs and then att
afocal lens (to be used like conventional hand-held binoculars) upo
reaching a fixed position. US sniper teams have found this combin
indispensable. Such a pairing would also be useful for OP’s
PVS-14
Gen-3 Omni-5 $4,400 US
Hand-held monocular
Single-eye head or helmet
mounted goggle.
Weapon mounted night
sight.
Ancillary equipment:
Compass
3 x magnifier
Photo: ITT
Photo: ITT
Photo: ITT
PVS-14 with x3 Afocal magnifier lens
Afocal Magnifier Lens
Mounted on PVS-7D
Note: The Afocal lens can be held in the front of the PVS-504 NV
Photo: ITT NVEC
Detection of
a man on
green grass
PVS-7B
Gen-3
PVS-
7D
Gen-3
Omni-
5
PVS-7D Gen-3 Omni-5
3 power $739 US
NSN 5855-01-461-2741
Quarter
moon
417m
500m
1040m
Starlight (10)
297m
380m
680m
Cloud cover
163m
245m
510m
Also mounts on PVS-14
Consider: A magnetic
compass that clips on the
front of your NVD’s.
This would also reduce
disorientation that may
result from wearing
NVG’s (PVS-7D or PVS-
14 - $110 US)
Photo: NVEC
View of compass though NVGs:
2. Firepower
Seeing is not enough; soldiers must also be able to hit and kill a ta
Canadian infantry units do not have the ability to effectively engage
night without illumination. The only way to gain this capability is by
NVG’s coupled with an IR pointing device (such as the PAQ-4C) o
a weapon night sight such as the British-made Kite sight.
PAQ-4C
FEATURES
photo: NVEC
Eye safe
1000 m range
Resists 1 m immersion in
water
Off-axis light security
Highly accurate
Numerous weapon moun
options
The PAQ-4C (called "Pack – 4" by US forces) is the latest and imp
version of the PAQ-4B, and currently in use by Canadians deploye
KFOR/SFOR. The AN/PAQ-4C is an infared weapon aiming light th
the soldier to aim his weapon while still using NVG’s. The IR light t
projected from this device is invisible to the naked eye; however, th
can easily be seen when using image intensification devices. The l
provides a rapid, accurate aiming point from which to engage targe
night.
With their longer ranges, the C-9 LMG and C-6 GPMG require a ni
with a corresponding range capability. One option is to employ a n
such as the Gen-3 Kite or Maxikite sight (which is also being emplo
Canadian Forces in KFOR/SFOR). This will allow the C-9 and C-6
to engage targets out to 600m. With the Kite sight the sect would a
greater depth in their ability to observe of the battlefield going beyo
range of their NVGs.
PAQ-4B / NVGs: On patrol in Kosovo
Dec1999
NSN – 5855-01-398-4315
AA battery
$850 US
Kite Sight (British Gen-3)
AN/PVS-505
NSN- 1240-21-906-8151
PRICE $8,500 CAN
Used by Canadians in SFOR /
KFOR 2 per sect
Raptor (US Gen-3 Omni-5)
M-644 X4 power
NSN 5855-01-465-2168
PRICE $6,000 US
Night patrol in Kosovo:
Also mounted The Carbine
Visible Laser PEQ-5 and The
Modular Weapon System
(MWS). Both on loan from
DCIEM
Photo: NVEC
FIBUA and certain other operations require special considerations
equipment. For a number of years special and police forces have e
weapon-mounted white light devices in FIBUA-type operations. In
allowing rapid target acquisition, white light has the advantage of b
image intensification equipment. It can also temporarily dazzle and
an enemy with unprotected eyesight – even in daylight or lighted ro
SureFire lights
In addition to optical NVD’s there are pyrotechnic IR illumination de
These include Para flares, illumination rounds, pen flares, and trip
the naked eye, these have the same brightness as a burning matc
however, through NVD’s, they "light up the sky." The US Army emp
and we should too.
All of these equipment choices beg the question "what is the right m
answer is not universal and depends on the operation at hand. How
suggested that the scale of issue for the C-9 and C-6 should be Ge
Kite/Maxikite sights. Riflemen should be equipped with NVGs and
When it is desirable to mount the Kite sights on the C-7s for pinpoi
accuracy, the C-9 gunners would utilize the NVG and PAQ-4C com
(this is not necessarily a compromise for the latter since it would re
All night sights must be collimated prior to use. In Kosovo, with on
one collimator in the company, this was impossible.
Manning the Sanger in Kosovo
Photo J Marshall
Maxi-kite (Gen-3) mounted on the C-6
A Coy 1PPCLI did not get all our NVDs in Kosovo until after we h
been in theater for 6 weeks.
We must train with kit we are expected to use on operations.
" While the use of white light is a preferred technique for room
clearing, when encountering large open areas (such as hangers,
airport terminals, etc.) the use of the IR source on the goggle may
the best option to illuminate the area while clearing"
Ranger Company Night Live Fire Raid in the IR Spectrum.
washout from muzzle flash). Thus, comds would allot night vision e
based on the tasks for his sub-unit. It is clear that other forces simi
and composition to our, reflect this same concern for adequate NV
3. Command and Control
Commanding dismounted infantry during normal daylight operation
intricate task; to attempt the same during reduced visibility operatio
infinitely more challenging. Even after NVD’s are obtained, there m
means for leaders to guarantee control and thus reduce the risk of
This risk is an important consideration not only for sub-unit fire, but
supporting fire, such as provided by attack helicopters and close a
The most important infantry night command aid is the Ground Com
Pointer (GCP). This device is an IR laser with a range of 8 km+. It
comds to direct soldiers equipped with NVD’s by indicating both ta
boundaries. For example, a pl comd could indicate trenches to his
comds and the OC, subsequently giving his arcs for the consolidat
Pl could then mark depth objectives for attack helicopters.
The GCP-1 comes in two versions: the GCP-1/2A (50mW) and the
range GCP-1/2B (100mW). The GCP-1’s are hand held, and the G
can be mounted on a weapon. If the GCP-2A/B are employed, the
is not required.
"The night fighting equipment will not turn night into day but it will
significantly enhance night vision for our soldiers in the field, givin
them the capability to detect, monitor and engage an enemy force
night."
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew McLeod, Australian Army,
Project Director NINOX
Night fighting equipment for the 21st century
GROUND COMMANDER'S POINTER
NVEC
GCP-2 A
GCP-2A NSN–5855-
01-420-0817
Price: $1051 US
GCP-1 A NSN-5
420-0849
Price: $1451
GCP-2 – Same type of
laser as the GCP-1,
however, the GCP-2
can be mounted on a
variety of weapons.
The GCP-2 has been
adopted by the USMC
for use by door-
gunners
The GCP-2 could also
be mounted on a Ti
sight such as the Eryx
Ti sight and paint the
target for ii NVDs
extending their ranger.
Soldiers and comds must have a means to establish positive comb
identification at night in order to prevent fratricide; "Warrior Glotape
inexpensive solution. To the naked eye, it appears as black duct ta
finish and texture. When illuminated by normal visible light it exhibi
special reflective characteristics. However, when illuminated by an
(for example, GCP’s, PAQ-4C’s, or LAV-3 IR spotlights) the tape g
brightly. "Warrior Glotape" could be placed on the back of a soldier
and on the forestock of his weapon. An obvious criticism of this sys
that NVD equipped enemy forces would also see our forces during
illumination. This is true; however, illumination by comds would tak
only seconds before engagement as a final confirmation of identity
safeguard against fratricide far outweighs the risk of detection.
MODEL NUMBER
GCP-2A
(OC’s/Pl Comd’s)
GCP-2B
(MFC/Recce Sect C
Range
8,000 m
12,000 m
2-degree beam
1,500 m (man sized
target)
3,000 m (man sized
10-degree beam
800 m (veh sized
target)
1,600 m (veh sized t
"MARKINGS: Each Ranger was marked with a two-inch strip of G
tape on his arm and a one-inch square on his helmet. Glint tape (
tape) is reflective to IR sources shined on it. All cleared breach
points, buildings and bunkers were marked with either IR chemlig
or Phoenix beacons, as was the Casualty Collection Point"
"Ranger Company Night Live Fire Raid in the IR Spectrum."
The Phoenix IR beacon is a longer-range device that should be us
addition to glow tape. The IR beacon - when activated - emits a str
can only be detected by NVD’s. The programmable nature of this d
means it lends itself to marking different friendly locations during th
of patrols, link up operations, and other night operations. It can be
used to mark vehicles, routes, attack positions, rolling replenishme
landing zones.
IR Tape illuminated by IR light
Photo: NVEC
Phoenix IR Strobe
Photo: NVEC
"Warrior Glotape" or IR
Tape
Every soldier should have
IR tape on the back of his
helmet and arm.
The ABCA Quadripartite
Advisory Publication, No
192, Ed 1 remarked that
combat identification errors
are one of seven primary
causes for fratricide.
The Phoenix was used in Kosovo
during a Helo night extraction -- it
could be seen as soon as the Helo
took off, +5km away.
NVEC
NSN – 5855-01-396-8734
Distribution: One per section
- 100 hrs on 9 volt battery
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- Range up to 20 km
Price: $65.00 (US)
The problem of control and identification remains during the use of
sights, so an item to meet this requirement needs investigation. It m
remembered that thermal sights prevent one from seeing visible w
IR light sources, such as chem lights. Thermal panel markers are a
and cost-effective solution. They will assist in the marking of a varie
operationally significant locations (such as identifying obstacle brea
for LAV-3 drivers using thermal viewers) and help to prevent fratric
Thermal Identification Panel (TIP - manufactured by NVEC) is a the
reflective marker designed for use with thermal sights and viewers
work by showing the contrast between their cold spots and the war
background temperature.
Battle Reference Marking
Systems (BRMS)
$400 US
Thermal Identification Panel
(TIP) $109 US
NSN – 2590-01-447-4937
Photo: BRMS
Photo: NVEC
Warrior Heat air activated ration
heater as seen though a Ti sight.
NSN 7310-01-434-1365
Photo NVEC
No power is required
Uses:
TRP’s
Fratricide avoidance m
Trigger line marker
Obstacle lane markers
LZ markers
Field boresight panel
Passage of lines marke
Range arc markers
"New equipment such as the KITE site, laser det sight, Global
Positioning System and Laser Range Finder were not readily
accessible in quantities sufficient to train all personnel who would
using these items in theatre. Obviously this is not a desirable situ
as soldiers must be thoroughly versed in the use of their equipme
before deployment as opposed to learning it as On-The-Job Train
while on operations. Some small quantities of special in-theatre
equipment was received but it arrived late."
POST OPERATION REPORT OP HARMONY ROTO 5
PHASES 1-3, 1RCR.
TITLE POST OPERATION REPORT OP HARMONY ROTO
PHASES 1-3, 1RCR
DATE FEB 1995
SUMMARY
More and more frequently comds in the Canadian Infantry Corps a
realizing that we do not have adequate equipment or training to fig
effectively at night; this is especially the case after operations in-th
where conditions are most accurate in helping to reflect what war w
These same lessons and observations are repeated for Canadians
at NTC/JRTC. The nature of the battlefield has changed, in large p
because of rapid technological advances, and we have failed to ke
Because our allies and many potential enemies have kept up-to-da
however, we are needlessly putting our soldiers at risk of failing to
objectives when deploying them in reduced visibility operations. Mo
dangerously, however, we are increasing their risk of becoming vic
fratricide; one has only to look back to the Gulf War to see this risk
terms. In simple dollars, some of the items, which have been explo
are very expensive. Nevertheless, some are cheaper than the C-79
sight ($459) currently in use by every rifleman in the Corps. While
orders could reduce cost, most of the required equipment could als
procured through local purchase in order to speed delivery to the u
practical dollars, however, it is worth noting that the price of equipp
infantry bns with these devices would be equal to the price of a few
REFERENCES
Night vision equipment manufactures:
Own the Night! – Small Unit Night Fighter Manual.
Centre for Army Lessons Learned. Fort Leavenworth KA, No
Mar 96.
This handbook combines existing doctrine with night-fighting
techniques, and procedures (TTP) currently used by light infa
squads and platoons.
"Ranger Company Night Live Fire Raid in the IR Spectrum."
LTC (LCol) Keen, P.K., and Cpt Larsen, J
Training Techniques 2nd Quarter FY97
Centre for Army Lessons Learned. Fort Leavenworth KA,
"Owning the Night."
Adcock, Gene. Ref: Night Vision Equipment Company. Emm
Fratricide: Reducing self-inflicted Losses.
Centre for Army Lessons Learned. Fort Leavenworth KA, No
92.
This newsletter reviews the most significant trends in ground
and air-to-ground fratricide and proposes practical remedies.
NO. 95-3 User's Guide: Combat identification Quick Fix Devi
Centre for Army Lessons Learned. Fort Leavenworth KA,
Night Vision Goggles In Focus: Revised Procedures
U. S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences
Training Program for Night Vision Goggle Driving Operations
TC 21-305-2
Night Vision Equipment Company.
A very good web sight!
Low Profile Night Vision Goggles
Canadian AN-AVS 502 used by: Air Force Security Force in
and SAR techs
Sure Fire Tactical Light
Weapon mounted white light
Photon Micro-Light
Map reading and IR lights
Knights Armament
Modular Weapon Systems
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