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Well more just getting use to using them while performing tasks. Because your depth perception is severely impacted using night vision monoculars it takes some getting used to. The only way to build familiarity and comfort with ANY piece of gear is to use it. So I practiced driving and bounding from position to position in a forest environment.
The driving felt like I was learning all over again. You start out going slow because you are unsure of yourself and make exaggerated corrections in steering. As time goes on though you become more comfortable and are able to increase speed and driving becomes more natural. I am not to a point where it feels natural and im not sure it ever will but it is getting more comfortable. This is NOT something I would want to try to learn after a event and I am trying to drive out of a bad area using my 14's.
Running from position to position in pitch black using night vision gear is something you have to try to fully appreciate. It is not as easy as one would suspect and just like driving it does give you a uneasy tingle in your stomach as you first try it because you are convinced you are going to run into something. Try it at full speed the first time and chances are you will. Even something as simple as reaching out and grabbing a object is more difficult using nvg's because of the depth perception issue. You find yourself moving your hand towards the object slowly in a attempt to not knock it over or when running at full speed up to a downed log you intend to use as cover you either 1. stop short of it and "sneak " up on it or completely run into it (yeah that part hurts).
Proper use indicates that you leave your non nvg eye open to maintain its natural night vision and this certainly helps even on "dark" nights there is usually enough ambient light that your non nvg eye can adjust and provide you with some addition to your depth perception. This too however requires some getting used to as well for two reasons. 1. Your natural tendency is to shut the opposite eye you must learn to leave it open. 2. it takes time for your brain to "fuse" the two images together so it looks more natural. For me, when I first started using nvg's I would constantly switch my attention back and forth between the two images or eyes. Not all people do this but it was a issue for me and one I had to learn not to do. If you own a set of night vision I would suggest you use them and not just sitting outside after dark looking around. Actually use them to perform tasks, you will be glad you did. If you don't own a set I would strongly suggest that you change that.
The driving felt like I was learning all over again. You start out going slow because you are unsure of yourself and make exaggerated corrections in steering. As time goes on though you become more comfortable and are able to increase speed and driving becomes more natural. I am not to a point where it feels natural and im not sure it ever will but it is getting more comfortable. This is NOT something I would want to try to learn after a event and I am trying to drive out of a bad area using my 14's.
Running from position to position in pitch black using night vision gear is something you have to try to fully appreciate. It is not as easy as one would suspect and just like driving it does give you a uneasy tingle in your stomach as you first try it because you are convinced you are going to run into something. Try it at full speed the first time and chances are you will. Even something as simple as reaching out and grabbing a object is more difficult using nvg's because of the depth perception issue. You find yourself moving your hand towards the object slowly in a attempt to not knock it over or when running at full speed up to a downed log you intend to use as cover you either 1. stop short of it and "sneak " up on it or completely run into it (yeah that part hurts).
Proper use indicates that you leave your non nvg eye open to maintain its natural night vision and this certainly helps even on "dark" nights there is usually enough ambient light that your non nvg eye can adjust and provide you with some addition to your depth perception. This too however requires some getting used to as well for two reasons. 1. Your natural tendency is to shut the opposite eye you must learn to leave it open. 2. it takes time for your brain to "fuse" the two images together so it looks more natural. For me, when I first started using nvg's I would constantly switch my attention back and forth between the two images or eyes. Not all people do this but it was a issue for me and one I had to learn not to do. If you own a set of night vision I would suggest you use them and not just sitting outside after dark looking around. Actually use them to perform tasks, you will be glad you did. If you don't own a set I would strongly suggest that you change that.
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