Chapter 10: 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.

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.

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.

_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.