Are Headlights a Target in Iraq?

[popcornpicker]

If my kid walks around in Bagdad wearing a red headlight like this Energizer Professional is he in more danger than just having a red flashlight? The last thing I want is his head being used as target practice.

 

[LED-holic]

First of all, God bless you and your son. Secondly, I would think his buddies in Iraq would be able to answer this much better than most of us couch potatoes on the other side of the world.

 

[abvidledUK]

If my kid walks around in Bagdad wearing a red headlight like this Energizer Professional is he in more danger than just having a red flashlight? The last thing I want is his head being used as target practice.

Yes.

Hence the WW1 advice not to light more than 1 cigarette with a match.

"The Third Light Superstition

There is a superstition in the Army about lighting 3 cigarettes from one match (or 1 one burning of a cigarette lighter)

That started in WW1 where the theory was that enemy snipers were drawn, at night time, to the flash of light of striking a match and lighting of the first cigarette, lighting the second cigarette allowed the sniper to get set and if a third was lit it gave time for the sniper to aim and to shoot.

Many people will still not light 3 cigarettes from 1 match or 1 burn of a lighter, even though the risk of being sniped by a German marksman has reduced considerably since 1918.

It is still considered "bad luck" to do so.

 

[frosty]

Interesting. You learn something everyday here.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I can't even finish smoking one cigarette before the match burns out. . . . LOL.

 

[Coop]

I think having kids run around in Bagdad after dark is a bad idea anyway... with or without headlight

 

[Monocrom]

Many people will still not light 3 cigarettes from 1 match or 1 burn of a lighter, even though the risk of being sniped by a German marksman has reduced considerably since 1918.

It is still considered "bad luck" to do so.

Snipers are still around. Doesn't really matter where the Line is....

Different background than German, but still a real threat. Patience, steady
trigger-finger, decent weapon with scope, and a willingness to kill are all that's needed.

Sadly, the last two are easier to find than the first two.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Bottom line is:

- You might not want to light a cigarette at night if you and your buddies are at risk of being sniped.

 

[TOTC]

Hi popcornpicker,

I've noticed you've had a few questions regarding lights for your son in service lately. First of all, thanks to him for his service and you for supporting him.

I thought you might find the Approved Family of Flashlights list (AFFL) interesting. It is not, to my knowledge, a codified requirement where other flashlights are not permitted, but rather a helpful guide. Who knows how that might swing in the future. It was put together by the Army, but I'd imagine the recommendations and selection criteria could be helpful for any branch of the Armed Services. They note that the Marines are fielding a similar program.

The selection criteria are discussed in this thread.

You'll notice that they list the Surefire helmet light as an approved light. This certainly means that the Army approves of at least certain headlamps.

As noted by other posters, I think the issue is just mission specificity. In a secure area where tasks need to be carried out, a headlamp would be great as it would offer him hands-free lighting. Out on a roving patrol however, if he just left it on, it would indeed be a target.

A headlamp would presumably fall under all the same light discipline guidelines as a hand held light within his unit. The difference being that it is generally quicker and easier to switch off a hand held light (or at least quickly cover it) than a headlamp if the need to go dark suddenly arises.

Best of luck to him and safe return home. I'm sure he'll appreciate the kit you're sending his way.