Characteristics and Limitations to the PVS-14 MNVD

Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) - AN/PVS 14 Monocular Night Vision
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distinguishable image under dark conditions. Infrared is an area outside of the visible

spectrum that cannot be seen by the human eye. Image Intensification technology should not

be confused with thermal imaging devices, which utilize the wavelengths of a different part of

the electromagnetic spectrum.

Nightvision devices provide a 40-degree field of view, which is substantially less than the

normal peripheral vision of 190 degrees. This means that when you're wearing MNVDs,

you're unable to see things very far to the left or right, or above or below, the direction you're

looking. Use of monocular devices rather than bi-ocular or binocular systems help, since

vision in one eye is less affected and you do not loose your peripheral vision on the side of the

unaided eye. Regardless, though, of the system you're using, it is critical that you constantly

scan when you're using night vision for anything other than static surveillance in order to

maintain awareness of your surroundings. "Tunnel vision", which is the tendency to fixate on

an object and ignore things that would normally be in your peripheral vision is more prevalent

when using night vision. As a user you must be on guard against this tendency.

Night vision devices cannot see the colors you normally see. If you need to see colors at night

you should use a monocular device, such as the PVS-14, which will allow your unaided eye to

see color.

Because night vision devices are more sensitive to red and white lights than they are to blue

and green lights, the red and white ones will appear brighter and, therefore, sometimes closer.