First steps in night vision usage

Feline animals have an outstanding ability to see in darkness which helps them move and hunt almost flawlessly. They remain gracious with each move which is well-directed and unerring. This innate ability is called night vision.

People need to see as felines in various situations. Many people need to work in dark hours, and some even have to live most of their lives in areas where darkness prevails the daylight. We will never tell what category of humans requires this unique ability more than others. Anyway, it is essential for a wide variety of occupations and lifestyles. It was so desired that one day, night vision technology was invented. A new era for military and civilian people has started since they first used night vision devices for their purposes.

The maneuverability of armies increased considerably, and the mobility of ordinary people and special social services. The most frequently used devices were night vision monoculars or night vision binoculars that allowed humans to operate well in pitch blackness. Wide application and persistent demand made night vision technologies evolve and improve their technical capability.  
To cope with the latest night vision models and their features, you will need extra assistance from those who have extensive expertise in the field. Also, special training in the night training center or night vision courses will help you use your night vision devices n the most effective way.
           

What is night vision technology, and why do you need it?

Night vision units are not toys, even if you want to use them for the simplest tasks like watching your neighbor’s garden. You will require special skills and knowledge to have an efficient and helpful “weapon” in your hands.  

First, you should understand how NV works. This element of the course provides you with information on night vision aspects. It explains eye anatomy and how it perceives distance, light, and dark. You will learn how to recognize details in low-light situations with the help of night vision scanning equipment. Physical adaptation techniques, together with night vision device settings, are covered, too.    
 
A big part of the academic material will be devoted to night vision systems, operational peculiarities, and environmental considerations. The course offers exercising in focusing a night vision device according to diverse weather and light conditions. For professional night fighters, terrain missions or situational simulation classes are scheduled.        

Another challenge will be to learn core characteristics that will allow selecting the tool to suit your activities in the best manner.   

The next step is practice. For beginners, it is essential as they can try a night vision device in real situations. Moreover, they will learn how to set it right depending on the daytime, purpose, and surrounding conditions.      

Night vision models   

With the variety of night vision models, generation types, features, and configurations, there comes the issue of choice. What night vision device to pick so it will best suit all your needs? It is a bothering question for every buyer who decides to purchase his first-night vision unit. However, many experienced users also need exclusive guidance while choosing one more NV device to complete their collection.

The market for night vision equipment is growing fast and offers new and upgraded options for customers. Today night vision optics are highly sophisticated and cutting edge. Night vision manufacturers add more software to their models, use Nanotechnologies and novel mechanisms to make their goods more competitive.

All of the above requires attentive consideration and special skills from a customer when he browses night vision units or comes to the shop for new NV optics. In this article, we offer you the most updated info about present-day night vision technologies and styles. It will be enough for you to take the first steps in searching for your dream night vision device. First steps but not the final ones. To better understand how NV technologies work and how they can improve your observation and tracking activities, we highly recommend taking up specialized night vision training.  

There are five-night vision styles to meet diverse purposes.   

The most popular night vision device is binoculars. They come in multiple models, weights, and versions. The variations of price for binoculars make them available for users of different financial statuses. Amateurs and professionals will find binoculars easy to handle and adjust to the purpose they have. Binoculars are popular among hunters, sportspersons, nature observers making their favorite activity enjoyable and comfortable. They can magnify the image that will be helpful for distant observation. However, a user should learn how to operate them fast and change the devices he carries in his hands for better results.          

Monoculars are a good option due to their flexible adaptation features. For users who operate in versatile situations, a monocular is a perfect choice. They meet many individual purposes and have image magnification. You can carry them in your hands or attach them to a weapon of any kind. They do not weight a lot. Their features can be improved by cameras or lenses depending on the user’s objectives.           

An owner of night vision goggles feels comfortable as his hands are free. There are models when googles come with cameras and additional magnification. Their best application is for exploring objects in the dark. It is a comfortable device for soldiers, special service crews, and rescue teams as they need both hands to carry their weapons. Made of lightweight plastic, they do not interfere with the movement of a user’s head.           

Scopes with nigh vision technologies are mounted on rifles. This electronic device makes it possible to see a target in dark and hazardous weather conditions. Scopes are easy to mount and are lightweight, so they do not impact the shooting accuracy. Users can carry it with lots of other shooting gear and attach a scope to the amour when they need it.     

Night vision cameras, like other units, are flexible enough to be adjusted to every purpose. You can add lenses to the device to receive the image of the required quality. Cameras often go with video recorders and are applied for surveillance and safety purposes.

How to choose your first-night vision device?

There are hundreds or even thousands of night vision devices produced around the globe. Models, generations, electronic ingredients, and materials - everything needs attentive consideration before purchasing a night vision optical instrument.
 
These core features, described below, are the first you should focus on when selecting a new NV device.       
 
The clarity of the image produced by your night vision device depends on the resolution level. Each NV generation type has different resolution parameters, so you should consider it before making the final choice. If you want to identify small objects and see details long distances, you need to search for a model with high-resolution features.   
 
Recognition range will impact the quality of the image in low light.
 
Lens or objective diameter collects all available light. A brighter image is only possible with a large lens.     
 
It would help if you considered an ergonomics factor when choosing a night vision device. The ergonomic device has high magnification. It makes the optics heavier and restricts movements. Therefore, high ergonomic night vision devices will be more efficient and comfortable for observations in static positions.      
 
Durability is one of the most critical features required for many night vision activities. The long life of the mechanism and batteries are guarantees that you will complete the mission without technical failure. So if you plan to invest over a thousand dollars in your NV gadget, make sure to check its longevity parameters, including electronic and waterproof characteristics.    
 
Your night vision device must have an infrared illuminator. It gives light to the surroundings when there is no other light is available. It also helps to see the objects in lousy weather like rain, fog, or dust.
 

First steps in mastering an NVD

Civilian persons and military representatives who use night vision equipment are challenged to overcome many unfavorable situations and technical issues. Zero or low visibility, weapon and night vision device maintenance, tactical challenges during terrain missions are the factors that impact the performance level of a night vision optics owner.

However, there is a solution. Academy night vision will form a correct night vision mindset, increase performance and help to keep up with the recent night vision technologies. Moreover, a beginner and refreshing course is the opportunity to become a certified night vision user.         

To apply for the course, you need:

To demonstrate proficient shooting techniques.
To have a set of additional equipment (helmet, pads to protect elbows and knees, gloves, goggles, gun magazines, spare batteries, special-purpose training clothes).
To know basic safety rules.
To be in good physical condition.   

A training course is divided into three blocks: introduction to NV usage, practical classes, and a test. After successful completion of the course, a trainee is awarded a certificate.

A theory section includes:
• NV technology and darkness understanding
• Study of NV configurations
• Safety rules in dark hours
• Zeroing and transitions from different optical regimes
• Individual or team techniques and communication at night
• Equipment adjustment    

During active training, you will acquire the skills necessary to operate NV devices. You will be trained at shooting and moving, obstacle shooting, transitions in low light situations, mounting devices on weapons, and flag signaling techniques. Also, you will learn how to reload and fix your NV device. Navigation methods, NV device drills, and targeting are practiced, too.             
   
NV training comes in several variations: individual, team, or mixed. Also, there are standard courses or customized programs. NV training is available for many categories of clients. The trainee's experience and operational level determine the choice. A course instructor will identify your abilities and goals to offer you introductory tutorials or advanced shooting classes.
 
When we talk about proficient improvement, we mean courses for all types of military forces. Military officers use night vision devices in everyday service and for special operations. Many missions extend beyond daylight activities. Therefore, they have to be well aware of the night vision intensifiers and learn how to maximize them. As night vision manufacturers upgrade their products constantly, military men are frequent clients at refreshing courses.        

For special services, night vision law enforcement, and military representatives, night vision academy offers a range of programs. Proficient users may need to upgrade their skills in a particular kind of night vision equipment and night vision tactical settings. For instance, they can sign for the NV goggles class. There are pieces of training divided by military categories like NV classes for pilots, law enforcement divisions, or commandos.

A course designed for professionals contains loads of instructions on NV configuration, long hours of physical training with NV devices, and an overview of the latest NV technologies. Advanced training for professional military men is critical for their careers. Therefore, the demand for a comprehensive night vision course is always high.           

Typical night vision course description

Night vision equipment is an essential part of many military and civilian operations. It will help to raise the shooting and observation abilities of the personnel in unfavorable conditions like low light, total darkness, and limited visibility in bad weather. A tactical night fighter, night vision camera operator, and other people who work in adverse light conditions need additional training.  

Unfortunately, the lack of time and other factors do not allow the categories mentioned above to master their skill level independently. The good news is that the tactical night vision program and schedule for night vision users are short but complete enough to empower trainees with all required skills. Due to this, night vision distributors offer first-class operational and training support at specially designed courses.

Below, there is a description of a common type of night vision training curriculum. It has three parts, each one or two days long.

Part 1. An intensive mixed training. It is a combination of theory and exercises. After the introduction of low light shooting algorithms and challenges, a trainee receives real-life advanced training. Most frequent light situations are covered and drilled. A trainee is supposed to try different night vision devices in a particular environment.                       

Part 2.  
This phase includes using diverse weapon systems and night vision accessories together. A trainee will polish weapons operating in challenging positions and situations.    
Reload procedures, the remedy of defaults, battery change, and other manipulations will be drilled intensively. Tactical and navigation capabilities will be improved, too.

Part 3.   
A feedback and examination phase contains training-backs, reflections, and presentations. A trainee should overview the received night course information and present his shooting and tactical points. A test and certification procedure together finalize the course.                  

After night vision classes, there is no doubt that you will make the right choice. The desired device will become your best companion, provided that you use it in the right way. And more, it will serve you much longer if you follow the recommendations on how to take care of the device.

You can spend tons of time searching for an NV device alone. And there is a chance you will fail to notice some important things about your dream NV tool. Night infiltration course will save time and effort and allow you to get all the pleasure from using night vision devices in many low-light scenarios.