V4005

This is probably your last flight, congrats! Don't forget to bring some beer for after the flight.

=Any Previously Discussed Item= In 28 the IPs are specific that this does not have "in the block" tacked on at the end. That is, they are free to ask you anything from all of Advanced. Class E airspace is a particular favorite.

=Tactical application of NVDs (Marine Corps/Navy)= There is nothing on this in the book. Here's some gouge, take it for what it's worth.

NVG's have some obvious tactical advantages. Foremost is that if your enemy doesn't have them you may well see him when he can't see you (though it is becoming more common that our enemies do have some form of NVD's, so consider how you can utilize your capabilities while minimizing your enemy's. This is why you talk about flying on the dark side of ridge lines, etc., even at night). With NVGs you can operate with your lights out, and through the use of pointers, spotlights, and chemlights a whole spectrum of communications and tactics is available to the aviators wearing NVGs against adversaries without. NVGs have revolutionized night operations, however they are not necessarily the panacea they may seem. Consider this excerpt from a December '96 article in the Marine Corps Gazette:

''Consider for instance that aviation night vision systems intensify ambient light 1,500-3,000 times. Night vision technology poses certain restrictions on the use of ordnance and weapons otherwise routinely used at night. The use of illumination rounds, napalm, smoke, phosphorous, or even tracer ammunition could well have an effect more detrimental to a Marine unit using night vision goggles than to the enemy. Involving artillery, naval gunfire, and attack aircraft squadron planners in developing a fire support plan for an NVG mission is another step toward full mission capability.''

Or this from the same publication in '98

''Planning and executing night heliborne operations presents an entirely unique set of considerations. Though operating under the cover of darkness does offer a means of improving detection avoidance and achieving tactical surprise, the gains must be weighed against the complexities of executing a night mission... A slower tempo of activity must be planned for during NVG operations. Detailed planning at all levels and thorough mission briefings are required. . ..This requires an understanding on the part of the ground force as well. Often, the biggest road block to the aviation combat element's night training is the unwillingness or inability of supported units to make the transition from day to night operations. If we are to achieve our full potential as a proficient night-fighting force, the entire MAGTF must accept night operations as an essential capability and continue to plan and execute night missions; including night helo assaults. "Waiting until daylight" will not win wars.''

Note that the briefing item is "Tactical application of NVDs" not NVG's think about some of the other tools Marine Aviators bring to the fight at night. Take this from A Cobra Night Targeting System - Finally! by MAJ M. L. Steele.

''The NTS will provide a laser for self designating targets for the onboard Hellfire missile and for rangefinding. The system also includes a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) for night operations and a television camera (TVC) for day operations. There is a video cassette recorder (VCR) that can record video from the FLIR and TVC.''

Tactics is not just the way we fight when we find the enemy but also how we get to him. Tools like IR spot lights or postion lights can make formations easier. Take this from the AH-1W MANEUVER DESCRIPTION GUIDE: '''5016. NVG FORMATION FLYING ''1. Application. All formations (parade, cruise, combat cruise, combat spread) practiced during the day can also be flown at night with the exception of cross turns, center turns, 30o AOB Parade Turns, and 45o AOB Cruise Turns. Reduced visual acuity, depth perception, and peripheral cues will dictate a more conservative approach regarding closure rates.''

Some different prep has to be done for NVG flight (same source) ''1. Use red ink for hazards and black ink for route and mission planning; lighter colors may be invisible when using NVG compatible lights.''