In a recent press release, SIG SAUER announced a partnership with FLIR to improve their SIG SAUER Academy Night Vision Operators Course. They will utilize FLIR’s night vision and thermal imaging products to help familiarize and train their students.

According to SIG Sauer Academy, their Night Vision Operators Course is limited to current LE and Military personnel. It is a one day course and is reasonably priced at $250. Advanced Defensive Rifle or equivalent is mandatory. Proof of training and credentials must be submitted during registration.

Classroom:

• Image intensification vs. thermal vision
• Night Vision science
• Night Vision optic anatomy, operation, mounting, & procurement options
• Infrared devices (Illuminators, lasers, and accessories)
• Mounting and zeroing process for infrared optics

Range:

• Moving and navigating with Night Vision
• Static shooting positions to 50m using both Infrared Devices and red dot optics
• Total darkness tactical and bolt lock reloads
• Total darkness basic malfunctions
• Total darkness positional shooting
• Total darkness barricade & bilateral shooting
• Total darkness target to target transitions

Required Equipment

• Carbine or AR with sling, capable of mounting infrared optic
• Night vision device (PVS-14, 15, 31, etc.)
• Helmet & NODs mount
• 3 magazines
• Magazine pouch / battle belt
• Suitable clothing for indoor and outdoor use
• Headlamp or handheld white light (NOT weapons mounted)
• Eye and ear pro

(All night vision equipment and helmets are available to borrow at the Epping, NH location)

Tuition includes: FREE loan of N-Vision Optics PVS-14, Team Wendy Helmets, Wilcox Night Vision Mounts, DBAL/PEQ15 Infrared Illuminators / Lasers, and necessary accessories

The current course description mentions the use of N-Vision Optics PVS-14. That is not obsolete as they will be upgrading to FLIR’s BNVD for night vision use. FLIR is sending us a BNVD-51 soon for review so stay tuned for that. The BNVD-51 boasts a 51° FOV compared to traditional night observations devices (NODs) that only have a 40° FOV. You can see the BNVD in the top photo. They are articulating binocular night vision similar in function to a PVS-31 or DTNVG.

According to my FLIR PR contact, SIG SAUER Academy will also be using the FLIR Breach. Which I reviewed back in June. This makes sense since they can easily mount a FLIR Breach to their student’s helmets or use it as a handheld device which will work perfectly for their needs.

I hope that SIG SAUER Academy eventually creates a night vision course for civilian shooters. They already have a low light rifle course. Other than procurement procedures pertinent to Law Enforcement, the fundamentals of shooting with night vision can be enjoyed by any responsible shooter. Often the price of the equipment is the limiting factor as well as finding a range that allows shooting after dark or with the lights out. As a night vision aficionado, I try to get people to try shooting in the dark and to get into night vision. The more opportunities to do so can only help us become better shooters and have a good time.