Military Use Of Glow Sticks

Glow sticks offer a well constructed small and light weight light source.

Military use of glow sticks.

They are light easy to carry and simple to activate. The military use of glow sticks in military operations has been common since the 1960s. Originally just the navy used the invention for emergency lights man overboard float lights target marking helicopter landing zone marking night parachute or para drop operations and other similar. Once activated the glow cannot be shut off so consider this if you are on night maneuvers.

They are used as light sources and light markers by military forces campers and recreational divers. Heat will cause a brighter glow but will reduce the glow time while cold reduces the glow but extends the glow time. The sticks can glow anywhere from 1 hour up to 12 hours depending on the size of the stick. Soldiers use them to define targets alert others to danger mark trails and assist with night visibility.

The military uses glow sticks in their safety kits and as field markers. They can also be used as markers in a tactical situation to designate something such as during a room clearing operation they are often used to show which rooms have already been cleared. Often in exercises they are used to designate points such as fire points or washrooms so you can find them easily. Glow sticks are waterproof do not use batteries generate negligible heat are inexpensive and are reasonably disposable.