TNVC launched the 2023 training season with our Nightfighter 101 at The Clinton House Plantation in Clinton, SC on February 25-26. We are excited to return to this venue--the hosts are amazing and the facility is incredible. If you can get there for a class or event, we highly recommend it!
The weather was just about perfect. Very comfortable temperatures, slightly humid, but all in all, a great environment for low and no light training.
We saw a wide spread of night vision devices in this class. Everything from green PVS14s to white phosphor binoculars. No student complained of being under-equipped, we were able to complete all the drills with little difficulty.
We did have a PVS14 go down due to battery corrosion--the battery had been left in the goggle and corroded itself into the battery compartment. We always recommend to quality, lithium batteries in your goggles and when the goggle is not in use, to remove the battery to prevent this kind of damage. Fortunately, the student had another PVS14 and was able to continue training.
While the technology performed well, we did see some problematic carbines and ammunition. Students coming to class spend a lot of resources (time, money, gear, days off, etc) to come to a class. Running gear that is not necessarily proven, or less expensive ammunition, can be a detriment to your training experience.
Yes, we encourage and want students to experiment with their gear at a NF101 course; however, that should be reserved for the technological gear associated with the course. Bringing a new carbine or pistol, or an unproven one, could potentially not work at the course, pulling students off the line and causing them to miss training.
This class was highly engaged with questions and processed the information well. We tweaked our POI slightly over the winter break, and were pleased with the outcomes and the performance of the class.
Our 2023 schedule is out and live on the website. We will return to The Clinton House int eh fall for both the Try Before You Buy and Nightfighter 101. It is a great venue for us to train at, and we will be there for years to come.
As always, several companies stepped up to offer students swag and such for their attendance. We appreciate their generosity and are proud to have them associated with our classes.
Defense Mechanisms
Blue Force Gear
Ops-Core
Gentex
Unity Tactical
NOD-Pods
Subrevtech
Koffinwurks
Thyrm
OTTE Gear