| Today, you can find all types of night vision goggles | | | | for your own personal use. Of course, most |
| and equipment on the market. Everything from | | | | commercial models aren't the same grade as those |
| binoculars to thermal cameras is available to the | | | | used by the military but it should be sufficient. |
| general public. | | | | It is often characterized by the generations it is in. |
| The first time I become really interested in one was | | | | Currently there are Gen 1 to Gen 4 with generation 4th |
| when I saw night vision images of bombings in the Gulf | | | | the most advanced and the most expensive. The |
| war on television in 1991. It was truly a sight to behold | | | | heart of any night vision goggles is the light intensifier |
| and I never knew you can see so clearly in the night | | | | tube which allows targets to become visible at night. |
| using them. | | | | The latest Generation 4 such as the ATN Cougar 4 |
| Most operate in 2 ways. One is using image | | | | uses both thermal and image enhancement technology |
| enhancement and the other is using thermal imaging. | | | | for clear and bright images in the night. It is fitted with 2 |
| The latest models utilize both image enhancement and | | | | Gen 4 light intensifier tubes and uses fast precision |
| thermal imaging for better clarity and perception. | | | | optics. The latest models are very lightweight and |
| Typically, you can use a standard model to see | | | | portable and very easy to use as well. |
| someone about 250 feet away in complete darkness. | | | | They are also being used for security, hunting as well |
| They are mostly used by the military and the police for | | | | as wildlife observation purposes as well. |
| their operations. However, you can still purchase them | | | | |