Recommend that NGAUS support funding for the National Guard Bureau to supply the states with a “grab and go” kit, leveraging Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) advanced night vision, thermal and fused enablers providing Homeland Response Forces, National Guard CBRNE and CERFP teams with enhanced visual capabilities to see in all black out situations. This “kit,” contained in a single transit case, would support search and extraction of civilian persons impacted by a CBRNE or other localized catastrophic event. The kit would include: (1) Enhance Night Vision Goggle (AN/PSQ-20B, ENVG), (19) Mini-Thermal Monoculars (AN/PAS-23, MTM) and (4) Clip-on Ruggedized Thermal Optical Sights.

The Enhanced Night Vision Goggle AN/PSQ-20B fuses a 17micron thermal sensor with advanced night vision technology into a single light weight head-borne device allowing the soldier to optimize the viewed scene, assisting search and extractions in all weather conditions. The Mini-Thermal Monocular (AN/PAS-23, MTM) is a handheld thermal imaging device with an integrated laser pointer and digital camera. The thermal imaging capability of the MTM allows for observation and identification in all weather and low to no light environments. The digital camera enables acquisition, storage, download, recall, and viewing of thermal images and videos. The Clip-on Ruggedized Thermal Optical Sights is a miniaturized all-in-one thermal system designed for handheld applications and clip-on or stand-alone weapon sight use. The thermal imaging capability of this sight would provide observation and identification under adverse conditions including light rain, smoke, light snow, and low light to total darkness. Its unique color technology permits users with limited experience in thermal interpretation and assessment to quickly identify persons or objects of interest from the thermal scene. Its integral laser pointer serves as a communication tool for other team members equipped with night vision capability such as the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (AN/PSQ-20B) or the US Army's AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular to receive handoff- information of key locations or positions.