TNVC’s Night Fighter 201 class is not a night vision course. It is a low-light/no-light course. It’s less a technique course and more a technology course. Truth be told, it is less of a course and more of a workshop. Students are free to choose their own adventure, but they must justify their actions, as critical thinking builds competence and confidence. Although there was down time between scenarios, there was no shortage of opportunities to learn by talking to other students and instructors. The nature of such a class is such that students get out of the class what they put in.

“Armed Professional,” as the previous iteration of this class was called, combined close quarters battle with night vision. In that class, students tended to focus on CQB and overlook the technology. In this revamped curriculum, no CQB experience is required and no CQB is taught. Students are delivered to a location in the room by instructors with their eyes closed, then asked to collapse their sector of fire without walking about the room. Positive identification is the primary task with which students explore the limitations of each technology.

We attended the second showing of the revamped and renamed Night Fighter 201 class. Our experience is relayed so future students of the class will be ahead of the curve.

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION

Positive Identification (PID) is the focus and the task used to explore technology limitations. To classify as threat or unknown, students scan the whole person, then focus on their hands, waistband, the immediate area around them, and finally on their demeanor. Targets are identified through a system that differentiates threats from unknowns. Students then go through the sequence and search for clues. Students could game it by merely playing “Where’s Waldo,” but then they only cheat themselves.

We learned that white light complements monochromatic NVGs by providing color and additional illumination. When certain colors fail to show up with sufficient contrast through NVGs, one can emit white light while looking under the goggles (or articulate one pod up) to use unaided vision for PID (hereafter white light bypass). The naked eye also provides color information such as an orange-tipped airsoft gun or the blue shirt of a hostage. To use white light for more information may be a spur-of-the-moment decision, and equipment must support that. A student using an all-in-one Surefire XVL2 (see Small Arms Defense Journal magazine V13 N2) added a separate white light during class because switching from white to IR cannot be done quickly on this light. This shows how the workshop allows discovery of the limitations of our gear.

Another lesson learned is that PID happens at close-range, as NVGs are still non-magnified optics. In a demo, students try to PID an approaching instructor. At 50 meters, neither white light and naked eye nor IR illumination under NVGs provided PID. Around 30 meters, eye-safe IR illumination with NVGs granted PID. Around 25 meters, a high candela white light and naked eye afforded PID. NVGs without illumination gave no PID until the instructor reached bad breath distance. Readers should understand these distances as merely illustrative of the close-range nature of PID, and not as cardinal rules.

EXPECTED ENGAGEMENT DISTANCE

Through failure, we learned to preset our equipment for expected engagement distance before taking each unknown space. This includes both NVG focus and IR illumination.

NVGs are single plane focused devices, and are typically set at infinity for outdoor use such that close objects are a blur. For indoor use, one could focus at room distance, but that definition can change between a bedroom and an auditorium. During the 2014 Sydney Lindt Cafe siege, CCTV showed an assaulter stopping to adjust his NVG focus in the midst of an assault. To set up for expected engagement distance is to set up for success.

Workarounds include “goofy focus” when using binocular NVGs: one tube is focused far and one focused close. When we used this technique, we didn’t experience any headaches, but bright dots such as IR pointers or distant street lamps have a halo around them because one tube is out of focus. For target designators, this can cause imprecise aiming. There also exist devices such as the Phokus Hoplite and the Tarsier Eclipse to increase depth-of-field at the expense of light gathering. These devices are analogous to stopping down a camera aperture from f/2.8 to f/22 so more of the scene is in focus. We used Hoplites in class and could PID room distance targets even though we left our tubes focused at infinity. The last option is to white light bypass at the expense of pointing out your location to opposing forces.

Laser aiming modules (LAMs) must also be preset for success. Pointers set too bright will bloom and cause imprecise aiming; set too low and they will be invisible. Illuminators must also be set for punching through photonic barriers, illuminating a wide area, or throwing energy into a deep dark corner. Most LAMs have a diffuser flip cap to spread the illuminator beam (10 deg or so), into a wide flood beam (40+ deg) for use in typical rooms. We found it faster to process the room with the rifle at low ready and letting the spill illuminate the room, rather than sweeping the beam across everything he wanted to examine. This increased situational awareness and processing speed costs PID range as the dispersed energy cannot reach deep into corners. Hallways and large rooms may require no diffuser to increase throw distance. During a hallway scenario, we left our diffuser on and could not PID targets. We resorted to white light for additional illumination since we could not remove the diffuser on the fly.

LAMs such as the Steiner. Optics DBAL and the L3Harris ATPIAL have a rotary selector to increase power output, but it cannot be ergonomically actuated on the fly. The B.E. Meyers MAWL’s mode switch suffers the same, but its A/B buttons allow effortless illuminator output modification (in some modes). However, note that room entry mode with pointer and illuminator is “short range, B button” while A-button-only emits a pointer. Increasing illuminator power still requires manipulating the mode switch to “mid range.” One should carefully plan out their switchology and vet the choices through exercises.

VALUE OF VISIBLE OVERRIDE

Generally speaking, rifles can be configured for two of the three shooting methods: active (emitting IR pointer and/or illumination), passive (no emission, just aim down sights), or white light (emitting visible illumination). Typical LAM supports active shooting. A weapon light and reflex (or “holographic”) sight set to daylight brightness allows white light shooting. When shooting passive, a red dot in your sight set to daylight-level brightness creates bloom that causes imprecise aim and could even hide the target. Dimming the reticle to NV setting fixes this, but it becomes invisible when using white light. Alas, there is no free lunch.

An optic with an etched reticle allows both passive and white light shooting, but the shooter’s head position is awkward and critical in passive shooting. Since the front objective of NVG effectively replaces the eyeball, one must place that within the optical eyebox of the optic. This requires an increase in length-of-pull (typically six inches) that can degrade rifle handling and accessory activation.

LAMs capable of visible override allow users to shoot with all three methods on the same setup. When paired with a compatible remote switch, LAM emits a visible pointer when white light is fired, even if the mode switch is set to IR. This gives a seamless transition from IR active to white light shooting. The user is still aiming with a pointer, and with roughly the same mechanical offset. There is no need to acquire the reticle. One merely bypasses the NVGs and continues to solve problems. Meanwhile, the optic can be left in NV mode for passive shooting. We found this feature extremely helpful not only in engaging targets, but also in communicating with teammates using the visible spectrum. We could “air lasso” open doors or dead spaces to ask for help, and even conduct common hallway checks (not covered in NF201) without taking his hand off the rifle to switch into LAM mode.

As of writing this story, only the Steiner DBAL-A3, -A4, LA-23, and Wilcox RAID-X provide this feature. The Unity Tactical TAPS DBAL, TAPS NGAL, and Modlite ModButton Lite (dual lead) switches complement the first three LAMs. We’re not aware of switches for the RAID-X.

LIMITATION OF PASSIVE AIMING

When practicing alone, we got comfortable shooting passive using the NV mode of a Trijicon RMR for a crisp reticle. During team firing exercises, other students used active aiming, and their emissions washed out our aiming dot. The lowest daylight setting must be used, but bloom obscured the low contrast target. To make problems worse, students were shooting from supported positions such that their pointers and our own dot did not move much. We were forced to shake our rifle in order to discern own downrange reticle.

These problems stem from multiple teammates engaging the same target with different aiming methods. Passive aiming works great if no one uses active aiming. If active, multiple stationary pointers can cause confusion. Practice with teammates is needed to discover and mitigate these issues.

CLOSING

Night Fighter 101 (see SADJ Vol. 13 No. 5) introduces technologies and techniques. Night Fighter 201 is a workshop to experiment with those technologies. Limitations are learned and overcome to build confidence and competence.

Each student chooses his own adventure with his own justification. Each inevitably learns different lessons. Author’s own lessons are offered here so prospective students have a leg up. But there is no replacement for learn-by-doing. Author gained valuable lessons and wholeheartedly recommends this workshop to any night fighter serious in his craft.

By Rick Cicero

A Tool for Overcoming Physical and Mental Disabilities

Impetus for Learn to Shoot Again Program

In August 2010, I lost my right arm and leg from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Six months later, after learning to walk again, a trip to the range with my Dad rekindled my love of shooting. Over the next several years via trial and error and with guidance from other shooting professionals in the military and police, I developed new shooting techniques to work within my physical “limitations.” I was my own worst student. I knew what a proper stance and all the fundamentals should look like, I found myself shooting well, yet I would look down and see that my stance and grip were not what would traditionally be correct. That’s when I finally came to the realization that I had to learn to shoot again using different techniques to suit my abilities.

Advancements in technology, including the SIG Sauer Brace, have been instrumental in honing my skills. Each new success is built on previous successes. After attending an Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Family Day event, I became involved in supporting such activities. This organization created associations with other accomplished shooters such as Trevor Baucom and Chris Fleming, also injured veterans. The true success of that day was when I began taking fellow wounded veterans to the range, which was the impetus for what is now the Learn to Shoot Again program—LTSA.

Immediately following SHOT Show 2016, we assembled a team of combat veterans—most of whom sustained and recovered from major injuries including paralysis, loss of limbs and spinal injuries that would have sidelined most. With the support of the NRA and HAVA, the entire team became certified NRA Instructors. Additionally, SIG SAUER Academy has been instrumental in advancing the skills of the LTSA instructors by offering advanced pistol instructor and advanced carbine instructor courses. One of the main focuses of LTSA training is not only to perform, but to perform to the highest standards of the able-bodied shooter without any special considerations and in all environments. All of which lead to the most important benefits: teamwork, espirit de corps, return to a known work ethic, visual success and HAPPINESS!

LTSA has established monthly classes in Florida. Additionally, we work diligently to travel the country and bring the classes to those who will benefit from them the most. Our class format develops shooter skills to compete in pistol, carbine, 2 and 3 gun, and most recently long range.

The positive feedback within the veteran community and firearms industry has been nothing short of amazing. The industry stepped up immediately with optics provided by Leupold and SIG SAUER and rifles provided by Savage. When Kestrel offered to help, they provided directed training, products, shooting opportunities and fundraising; all of which was far beyond our expectations.

Beyond Expectations

This past April, we conducted the first full Long Range Class at the Peacemaker National Training Facility, where Katie Godfrey was a remarkable asset. Kestrel sent her with knowledge, rifles, ammo and Kestrel devices. Katie conducted her full classroom presentation followed by days on the range using the Kestrels to maximize every shot.

A unique challenge was offered to every student—those who hit a three-shot group on a Kestrel zero target at 400 yards would be given one. Even with stiff winds, every student completed the challenge and left with a Kestrel. All of these students now use the devices regularly to compete and or hunt; two of the students have become LTSA instructors. [Fig. 6]

Kestrel further surprised us by making HAVA/LTSA the benefactor of the Kestrel Challenge Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match at Peacemaker in August. Not only did Kestrel donate product, time and money, they coordinated with other industry support. Ruger donated two rifles, Leupold and Vortex donated scopes, Hornady donated ammo, and the list goes on. The funds raised from that event and match supported multiple classes for our veterans.

The greatest value of that match was to have two of our students compete and learn to be Range officers that weekend. Both Justin and Tyler have overcome significant limb and internal injuries that would have stopped most veterans. However, both of these men raised the standard by completing the match, assisting with the fundraiser and working as Range Officers for the match. Nothing can put words to the expressions on fellow shooters’ faces when they see these men in shorts and realize the injuries that no one noticed.

The secondary benefit from that match was the number of shooters who approached us throughout the day and thanked us, not for our service, but for motivating them. We have learned the unique aspect of providing a perspective to the able-bodied shooter that they often forget: it is about the team and not the individual.

Conducting training for our veterans exposes students and staff to so much more. We have encountered and overcome different physical personal challenges I would have never expected. Each student is unique in his or her own way and identical in so many others. We all come from the military whether it is the student with one leg and only two fingers on one hand, the legally blind man who can see through a very narrow field of vision or the man who comes to class in a wheelchair.

Sasquatch, a Defined Success

The success that counts the most for me is confidence and happiness in life. The particular student who comes to mind sustained a gunshot wound in combat and has significant challenges. Unlike most, he completed his tour and was discharged without a full retirement and wanted to go on as a civilian. Unfortunately, his challenges caused him severe pain and loss of consistent ability to hold a regular job. He fell into a depression like so many and expressed to me how he felt a failure.

After attending some of our classes he became a dedicated student in every way. When he told me how much our classes improved his outlook, daily habits and overall quality of life, I was left speechless. We all have demons, and this is the best medicine for so many. Who would have thought that? In true military form we all have nicknames; his is “Sasquatch” (his profile in a shadow is priceless!). He is the great giant of our team. He was among the students in the April Long Range Class and a coach at the Long Range Class just last month. He has competed in several matches and attended the NRA Instructor course. Just last week, he put those skills to work at the HAVA Family Day in San Antonio and the three day class for our veterans in that same area.

As the “Director” of LTSA, it is not a title of management, but a title of responsibility. For students and teammates like the Squatch, the resources, tasks and organization are all worth it. The trust we have in our instructors is exceptional because they are exceptional people. Often the visual prosthetic device or chair gains attention, while others are overlooked. Sasquatch raises that bar and has volunteered to be a leader. Many of us lead in the military, but so many fail to lead in the civilian world. Sasquatch has stepped up and is the remarkable example of this program for so many to follow.

LTSA Tool Box

We create tools to maintain every aspect of our lives—the LTSA tool box is no different. As firearms have advanced over the last several years, we have taken advantage of those that are most practical. We strive to train our students with readily available items that can give them the skills to be as confident and safe as other shooters.

The first tool to provide a significant benefit was the “SIG Sauer Brace,” proving to give stability to the one-armed or impaired shooter to build long-gun skills for stance, grip, sling, balance and flexibility for various platforms and calibers from a .22 to a .300BO.

The advent of ambidextrous pistols like the new SIG Sauer P320, Smith & Wesson M&P, Glocks and more are making one-handed shooting much more accessible—even for those with only a left hand or with great impairment to their right hand. Every advantage our students have helps to overcome their challenges.

Within our long range program, the benefits of left-handed bolt rifles create an option that is efficient and nothing short of a blessing. We have Savage and Remington to thank for such rifles. Even a vertical fore grip on a rifle is a huge benefit to those with prosthetic arms or limited abilities; their control improves drastically.

The Quick Clip provides multiple benefits for those with upper extremity impairments to safely change magazines, clear malfunctions or just walk while maintaining their balance. It also maintains the rifle in a safe orientation for wheelchair users while in motion. And even those with all of their appendages but who have balance issues can maintain control while walking with free arm swing.

Several other manufacturers have supported us by providing unique adaptations to firearms for better access, ergonomics and control.

As our industry develops these unique tools, our community realizes what is already available to expand their abilities. The greatest honor LTSA has is to continue to serve our country and communities through one of the best commonalities our veterans have.

Our Program is Growing

Over the last three years LTSA has trained over 300 students in classes from Florida to California and New Hampshire. We are offering classes for pistol, carbine, shotgun and even long distance rifle to 900 yards and beyond. In 2019 we will be teaching in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and more. We will also be at events like HAVA Family Days and shooting matches around the country to Coach, RO, Compete and Inspire our veteran community to get out and join us! If you are interested in attending such a class or know a veteran who could benefit from our classes please call Rick Cicero at 434-294-5883 or email at LTSA@honoredveterans.org.