IR strobes are handy when you have to locate friendlies in dark environments. As much benefit as they offer in keeping guns off your buddy, they can also be advantageous for the enemy if used carelessly.
For some of you I know that I am just preaching to the choir, but for those of you who constantly run your IR during an operation, listen up! IR strobes are great unless your nemesis also has a pair of NVGs that he is using, in which case you have provided him with your location. Even if your foe doesn't have night vision capabilities, all he needs is a cell phone camera which can also detect IR light.
I've been to many night training venues with other teams, and it's no surprise when the team that runs their strobes constantly gets taken off guard by a hail of sim rounds. This is because the team that role played as the bad guys could see them patrolling in and set up for them.
The solution to this? Just turn the darn thing off when it is not necessary. This way you avoid compromising yourself and your team. If you are in the middle of a firefight, all bets are off and you should follow your team leader's direction. Just don't think that because the IR strobe is on your person that it needs to be turned on. Use it when it can effect mission success.
IR strobes are a great tool when used conservatively. The last thing you want to do in a combat situation is to give up your ability to surprise the enemy and put your team at risk. Use your equipment when necessary and with your head on a swivel.
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