NIGHT VISION GOGGLE (NVG) PRE-MISSION PLANNING Class Presented by CW2 Keith Koca

Objectives u Develop an individual’s understanding of the crew pre-mission planning required for NVG operations. u Develop an Instructor’s ability to teach required “TACTICAL SAVAGE” Information.

Topics covered u General Considerations. u Cockpit Teamwork and Considerations. u Aircraft Preparation and Equipment. u Maps and Visual Aids. u General Route and ACP Planning. u Aided Night Mission Map Preparation. u Aided Night Mission Planning and Briefing. u Route Planning Cards.

General Considerations u Psychological and Physiological Stress u Navigation u Radio Communication u Battlefield Light Sources u Obstructions u Terrain u Altitude Changes

Cockpit Teamwork and Coordination u Critical to successful operations u Blind Cockpit Drills u In-flight Responsibilities and Duties u Standard Crew Terminology u In-depth Crew brief u Sterile Cockpit

Aircraft Preparation and Equipment u Pre-flight during daylight hours u Check all lighting prior to mission u Check that minimum aircraft required items for NVG operations is operable. u Ensure proper supplemental lighting is on board. u Goggle operator checks by the book

Aircraft Preparation and Equipment (Cont.) u Set OSAP and focus goggles prior to mission u For a real tactical mission an extra set of goggles should be on board each aircraft. u Extra batteries available u Use of handheld LASER’s per SOP

Maps and Visual Aids u Maps: VFR Sectional, JOG Air, 1:50,000 Tactical Map u Aerial Photographs (S2) u Sand Tables and Terrain Boards

General Route and ACP Planning u Route Planning –Determine mode of flight I.E. NOE, Low Level –General Rules for route selection and planning. –Select Primary and Alternate routes u ACP and Checkpoint Planning –SP’s and RP’s: 3-5KM from planned departure or arrival point. –Rally Point: Selected by AMC as a point for a flight where they can safely reassemble.

General Route and ACP Planning u ACP and Checkpoint Planning (CONT.) –ACP’s: Points that define the route, used for heading changes, downed aircraft recovery points, commo requirements, changes of flight formations, or changes of flight modes. –CCP’s: Communications Check point. Serial commanders may report to the AMC. –CP: Check point that is selected along or adjacent to flight path used to fix aircraft pos.

Aided Night Mission Map Preparation u Highlight or outline route and hazards u Enter route and ACP first u Include map 10-15km on either side u Mark lighted towers u Avoid map over-preparation u Transfer Key Features u Avoid exaggeration of map features u Orient notes and writing

Aided Night Mission Planning u Planning Considerations –Checkpoints for day use may not be suitable for NVG use. –Much more detailed planning must be accomplished for NVG Operations. –Use all methods of navigation: Pilotage, Dead Reckoning, and Electronic-aided Nav during flight.

Aided Night Mission Briefing u Briefing Considerations: –Per your SOP. SOP should give in-depth considerations of a mission briefing.

Route Planning Cards u Route Planning Card Symbols u Mission Planning Card Card u Doppler/GPS Route Card

Summary u General Considerations. u Cockpit Teamwork and Considerations. u Aircraft Preparation and Equipment. u Maps and Visual Aids. u General Route and ACP Planning. u Aided Night Mission Map Preparation. u Aided Night Mission Planning and Briefing. u Route Planning Cards.

Conclusion u The TC and TC are not all inclusive. The value of using the experiences of all crewmembers cannot be over emphasized. u Meaningful rehearsals (Rock Drills) will also enhance successful completion. u Disseminate all pertinent information to every crewmember (don’t forget the CE’s).

Questions? u Pessimistic: There is no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid individual’s who ask questions. u Optimistic: The only ignorant question is the question that isn’t asked. u Which person are you????? The correct answer for an I.P. is Optimistic. Be approachable!!!!!!!