LOW LIGHT AND DARKNESS TECHNIQUES
An effective combat marksman must be prepared to detect and engage
targets under a variety of conditions. Factors such as terrain and
opportunity often dictate that the Marine engage combat targets at night
or under low-light conditions.
The fundamentals of marksmanship are employed for engagement of targets
in low light and darkness just as they are in daylight. However, the
principles of night vision and target detection when engaging targets at
night must be applied.
Combat Mindset
In the stress of the combat environment, Marines must eliminate any
hesitation, fear, or uncertainty of action and focus on the actions to
fire well-aimed shots. This is important during low light and darkness
when attention is more easily diverted because the sense of vision is
reduced. This may create a shock of awareness as the Marine relies more
heavily on his other senses. Every noise, movement, and muzzle blast
appears intensified at night. The physical acts of shooting must become
second nature to the Marine, so his focus will not be diverted from
firing well-aimed shots. This is accomplished through mental preparedness
and training until shooting actions become instinctive.
Night Vision Adaptation and Maintenance
Night Vision Adaptation
There are two methods for acquiring night vision.
The first method is to remain in an area of darkness for about 30
minutes. This area can be indoors or outdoors. The major disadvantage of
this approach is that a Marine is not able to perform any tasks while
acquiring night vision in total darkness.
The second method is to remain in a darkened area under a low intensity
red light (similar to the light in a photographer’s darkroom) for about
20 minutes, followed by about 10 minutes in darkness without the red
light. This method produces almost complete night vision adaptation while
permitting the performance of some tasks during the adjustment period.
Night Vision Maintenance
Because the eyes take a long time to adjust to darkness, it is important
to protect night vision once it is acquired. To maintain night vision,
the Marine avoids looking at any bright light and shields the eyes from
parachute flares, spotlights, or headlights. When using a flashlight to
read a map or other material—
Put one hand over the glass to limit the area illuminated and
the intensity of the light.
Keep one eye shut to reduce the amount of night vision lost.
Cover the light with a red filter to help reduce the loss of
night vision.
Target Detection Techniques
Once the Marine has acquired night vision, he is prepared to locate
targets. Some of the daylight observation techniques, such as searching
for target indicators, also apply at night or in low light. But night
observation techniques must allow for the limitations of night vision and
the need to protect it.
Off-Center Vision
Because of the placement of the cones in the center of the retina and the
rods around the edges, the angle at which the Marine observes an object
at night affects how well it is seen. Off-center vision is the technique
of keeping the attention focused on an object without looking directly at
it. To maximize the use of the eye’s rods that provide night vision—
Never look directly at the object being observed.
Look slightly to the left, right, above, or below the object.
Each Marine must experiment and practice this technique to find the best
off-center angle. Typically, the best off-center angle is 6 to 10 degrees
away from the object or about a fist’s width at arm’s length. See figure
10-1.
[Illustration: Figure 10-1. Off-Center Vision.]
Scanning/Figure Eight Scan
Scanning is the use of off-center vision to observe an area or object and
involves slowly moving the eyes in a series of separate movements across
the objective area. See figure 10-2. To execute a figure eight scan, move
the eyes in a figure eight pattern in short, abrupt, irregular movements
over and around the area. Once a target indicator has been detected,
focus should be concentrated in that area, but not directly at it. It is
more effective to scan from a prone position or a position closer to the
ground than the object being observed, creating a silhouetted view of
the object. When scanning an area, look and listen for the same target
indicators as in daylight: movement, sound (which seems louder at night
than during daylight), and improper camouflage. Also, objects in bright
moonlight/starlight cast shadows just as in sunlight.
[Illustration: Figure 10-2. Figure Eight Scan.]
Effects of Illumination
Both ambient (natural) light and artificial illumination can affect a
Marine’s perception of the target’s distance and size and his night
vision. The following situations produce less of an effect at the close
ranges that pistol engagements occur, but they still affect target
detection and engagement:
Light behind or between the Marine and the target illuminates
the front of the target and makes it appear closer than it
actually is.
Light beyond the target displays the target in silhouette and
makes it appear farther away than it actually is.
The introduction of light requires the eyes to make a sudden,
drastic adjustment to the amount of light received, causing
a temporary blinding effect that occurs when night vision is
interrupted abruptly. Ambient light can also have the same
blinding effect; e.g., when a bright moon suddenly appears from
behind clouds.
Acquiring Targets at Night
The Marine must keep both eyes open to get maximum visual coverage of the
target area. Keeping both eyes open also improves depth perception and
peripheral vision.
Sight Alignment/Sight Picture
Sight alignment and sight picture are obtained the same way in darkness
as in daylight. There is normally enough ambient light to perceive
objects as far away as 50 meters, especially if they are moving. However,
when pistol sights are placed on a dark background, such as a camouflaged
target, the Marine may not be able to acquire and align the sights
clearly. Instead, the Marine may have to rely almost entirely on his
presentation, firing position, and grip to get the pistol on target. To
check for sight alignment or acquire the sights:
Move the pistol just off the edge of the target to an area that
provides a good contrast.
Acquire sight alignment.
Bring the sights back on line with the target while applying
pressure to the trigger so the shot breaks once the sights are
on target.
Flashlights
A flashlight can be used in low light and darkness to identify and
illuminate targets. It is also used to acquire sight picture.
Types of Flashlights
There are a variety of flashlights used throughout the Marine Corps.
They come in many different shapes and sizes; however, they are either
straight/tubular or L-shaped.
_Straight/Tubular_
The straight/tubular flashlight is the most common. The body of the
flashlight is a straight/tubular shape with the lens at the head of the
flashlight. The on/off mechanism is located along the body or at the base
of the flashlight.
_L-Shaped_
The L-shaped flashlight has a straight/tubular body, with the head/lens
of the flashlight positioned at a 90-degree angle to the body of the
flashlight. The on/off mechanism is located along the body or at the base
of the flashlight.
Activation Devices
Depending on the type of flashlight, there are several ways that it can
be activated.
_On/Off Button_
On/off buttons are located either along the body of the flashlight or at
the base. On/off buttons are operated in a number of ways, depending on
the flashlight.
_On/Off Switch_
On/off switches are mounted on the body of the flashlight. This switch
has three settings that allow the flashlight to be either on, off, or in
manual mode. In the manual mode, the flashlight is turned on by pressing
and holding the button located next to the on/off switch.
_Rotating Head_
Rotating the head of the flashlight, either clockwise or
counterclockwise, turns the flashlight on. Continuing this motion allows
the width and intensity of the beam to be adjusted.
Types of Lenses
_Clear Lenses_
Clear lenses are used primarily for target detection and to illuminate
the pistol sights. They are the most commonly used lens.
_Colored Lenses_
Colored lenses include red, amber, and blue. These lenses are used
primarily for map reading and signaling, but can be used to illuminate
the pistol’s sights.
Target Detection
When a target is illuminated, the front sight may become silhouetted
against the target, providing the sight picture needed to engage the
target. During target detection, the Marine’s focus should be twofold:
to scan the area to identify possible targets and to assess the area to
formulate a plan for engagement or cover (e.g., identifying the quickest
route to cover, determining the best method for engagement based on
terrain).
_Searches_
The Marine executes a hasty search immediately upon entering a new area
in order to identify a threat that poses immediate danger. To execute a
hasty search—
Quickly scan the area with the flashlight taking note of
obvious points throughout the area that could cover or conceal
the enemy. Wherever the eyes move, the flashlight should move.
Aim the flashlight beam on the ground about 8 to 10 feet in
front of the Marine’s location, this allows the eyes to follow
the beam and quickly establishes a reference point for the
light. Aiming the beam at the outer edge of the search area
strains the eyes to find the beam and decreases the field of
view.
The Marine executes a detailed search after the hasty search. A detailed
search focuses on target indicators identified during the hasty search.
To conduct the detailed search—
Focus the most direct or intense portion of the flashlight beam
on the target indicators.
Move the beam of light slowly across the target indicator from
right to left or left to right. Wherever the eyes move, the
flashlight should move.
_Considerations_
During night operations, the Marine should use a flashlight whenever
possible. A flashlight not only helps the Marine locate targets at night,
but the beam can be aimed directly at the target once it is detected
and temporarily blinds the target. This gives the Marine the advantage
to react before the target does. However, the Marine must consider the
following:
Anytime a flashlight is on, the location may be revealed to
the enemy. The Marine should keep the flashlight pointed out
in front of his body to help avoid illuminating himself and
revealing his position.
Light shined directly from in front of the Marine at the target
obscures the Marine.
Light shined from the side of the Marine at the target
illuminates the Marine.
Light can bounce off surfaces and reflect back onto larger
areas that the light is not focused on. Therefore, whenever a
Marine shines a flashlight onto a surface, some of the light
may reflect back and illuminate the Marine.
When positioned at the outside corner of a room, building, or
other cover, the Marine should avoid pointing the flashlight
beam directly at the corner because the beam reflects off the
corner and illuminates the Marine. To prevent this, the head of
the flashlight should extend just beyond the corner.
Many flashlights have adjustable beams that aid in target
detection. The beam’s intensity must be adjusted to provide the
best illumination of the area depending on the distance between
the Marine and the area of observation.
Diffused light from a wide beam creates a softer light and
illuminates a greater area, but the beam does not travel a
great distance. A wide beam is best for observing larger areas
at close range.
Concentrated light from a narrow beam illuminates a smaller
field of view, but the beam travels a greater distance. A
concentrated beam is effective for observing a specific area
or an area that is further away. Concentrated light blinds
the enemy and prevents him from focusing on the Marine or
determining his location.
When searching an area, the Marine can alter the position where
he is holding his flashlight so that the beam is perceived as
coming from various locations. For example, the Marine can turn
the flashlight on from a standing position, quickly search for
targets, turn the flashlight off, assume a kneeling position,
and search again. This keeps the enemy from obtaining an exact
location of the Marine’s position.
Keep both eyes open to get maximum visual coverage of the
target area. Keeping both eyes open also improves depth
perception and peripheral vision.
Target Engagement
Once a target is detected using a flashlight, the flashlight can be used
to acquire sight picture and facilitate engagement of the target. The
fundamentals of marksmanship are employed for engagement of targets in
darkness just as they are in daylight. However, the Marine must apply
the principles of night vision and target detection and must be able to
employ a flashlight properly when engaging targets at night.
_Grip_
To engage a target accurately while using a flashlight, the flashlight
must be held to maintain the pistol’s stability, control, and recoil
during firing. Normally, the left hand (two-handed grip) provides the
pistol’s stability and ability to manage recoil. However, when firing
with a flashlight, the left hand holds and operates the flashlight.
Therefore, some stability, control, and management of recoil is lost.
_Securing the Flashlight_
Most flashlights come equipped with a retaining loop located at the base
for ease of transportation. To position the cord properly:
Feed one end of the cord through the retaining loop of the
flashlight and tie the ends of the cord together.
Slip the left hand through the cord loop. The loop should be
just big enough so that, if the flashlight needs to be dropped,
it can be retained on the wrist.
Rotate the flashlight until the cord is twisted to the desired
tension and length necessary to best stabilize the rear end of
the flashlight in the hand.
Grasp the flashlight with the left hand in a position that
allows it to be operated easily.
If the flashlight has a retaining loop, attaching a cord to the loop
helps support and stabilize the flashlight when the Marine must fire the
pistol with the flashlight in his left hand. The cord also helps retain
the flashlight.
_Acquiring Sight Alignment/Sight Picture_
When holding a flashlight on a target, the tendency is to look at the
target rather than the sights. Sight alignment is still necessary for
effective target engagement. Using a flashlight to illuminate a target
allows the Marine to—
Acquire sight picture by silhouetting the sights against the
target.
The Marine establishes sight picture by focusing the
sights in the soft, diffused light area of the target.
At close ranges, colored lenses produce enough light
on the target to silhouette the sights; at long
ranges, colored lenses will not provide enough light
off the target to illuminate the pistol sights. The
Marine must be able to see the target by some other
means, (e.g., contrast, moonlight).
Acquire sight picture by illuminating the sights.
A colored lens can be held directly over the
sights to shine light on the top of the pistol to
illuminate the sights. This allows sight alignment
to be established without revealing the Marine to
the enemy. This method can also be used with a clear
lens to make a precision shot at long ranges but the
Marine risks being illuminated by the light.
A colored lens can be shined from directly behind the
pistol sights to illuminate them. This allows sight
alignment to be established, but reveals the Marine’s
position to the enemy.
_Target Engagement Techniques_
_Two-Handed Grip Technique._ This technique is typically used with a
straight/tubular flashlight. The pistol and flashlight must be side
by side and level so the Marine can engage a target without making
adjustments to the pistol or the flashlight. This technique is also
effective for firing multiple shots because the flashlight and pistol
recoil as a unit.
Whenever possible, the flashlight is just in front of the muzzle of
the pistol so that it does not illuminate the pistol. Placement of the
flashlight alongside the pistol may need to be adjusted depending on the
size of the flashlight or the location of the on/off mechanism.
This technique is most often used with an Isosceles position (see fig.
10-3):
Grasp the flashlight with the left hand, lens pointing down
range.
Wrap the thumb and index finger of the left hand around the
body of the flashlight, thumb resting on the on/off switch to
allow easy operation of the on/off switch without disrupting
the grip on the flashlight.
Extend both arms toward the target and bring the flashlight
alongside the pistol so the fingers of the left and right hands
touch.
Wrap the bottom three fingers of the left hand around the
fingers of the right hand, incorporating the flashlight into a
two-handed grip.
Apply isometric pressure against both hands to aid in
stabilizing the pistol.
This technique can also be incorporated into a Weaver position; the more
the left hand wraps around the right, the more the body can be angled and
the left elbow bent. Apply push-pull pressure on the grip to stabilize
the pistol. See figure 10-4.
_Cross-Hand Technique._ The cross-hand technique is used primarily with a
Weaver position and can be used with either a straight/tubular flashlight
or an L-shaped flashlight (see fig. 10-5):
Grasp the flashlight with the left hand, fingers wrapped around
the top of the flashlight and thumb wrapped around the bottom.
Place the thumb on the on/off button while maintaining a firm
grip on the flashlight.
Extend both arms toward the target and bring the left hand
under the pistol so that the back of the left hand is resting
firmly against the back of the right hand.
Apply isometric pressure against both hands to aid in
stabilizing the pistol.
Extend the right arm fully and bend the left arm at the elbow.
[Illustration: Figure 10-3. Two-Handed Grip Technique With Flashlight
(Side and Front View).]
[Illustration: Figure 10-4. Two-Handed Grip Technique With Flashlight
(Weaver Position).]
[Illustration: Figure 10-5. Flashlight Cross-Hand Technique.]
_Considerations for the Carry/Transport_
When searching an area for targets, the Marine moves with the pistol at
the carry or transport dictated by the threat level.
_The Ready._ If enemy contact is expected (contact imminent), the Marine
carries the pistol at the Ready and carries the flashlight in his left
hand and incorporates it into his firing grip. In the Ready, the Marine
can search for targets and readily present the pistol and flashlight to
the target for engagement without making adjustments to either the grip
or the flashlight. See figure 10-6 on page 10-8.
_The Alert._ If enemy contact is likely, the Marine carries the pistol at
the Alert and the flashlight in his left hand and incorporates it into
his firing grip. The Marine must ensure the flashlight is not pointed at
the deck because it illuminates the Marine. If necessary, the head of the
flashlight may have to be tilted up to elevate the beam to increase the
field of view. If the flashlight has been tilted, it has to be lowered so
it is level with the pistol muzzle and the light shines directly on the
target in order to establish sight picture. See figure 10-7 on page 10-8.
_Holster Transport._ If there is no immediate threat, the pistol is
holstered and the Marine carries the flashlight with his left hand to
search for targets. Should a target present itself, the Marine presents
the pistol from the holster and engages the target. Time and distance to
the target dictate whether the Marine incorporates the flashlight and his
left hand into the firing grip.
[Illustration: Figure 10-6. Flashlight Ready Carry (Cross-Hand and
Two-Handed Grip).]
[Illustration: Figure 10-7. Flashlight Alert Carry (Two-Handed Grip and
Cross-Hand).]