Do you want your IR patch to hide or expose you?
IR Reflective film is the foundation for the two friend or foe patches worn for protection.
The same IR reflective film produces polar opposite results. It will hide you or expose you.
Do you want to hide? Wear a Field reflective patch.
Do you want to be seen? Wear a Garrison reflective patch.
At first glance, the biggest difference is cosmetic – black or white.
The Field IR patch is black, a Garrison IR patch is white.
But the safety and protection of the patch goes beyond black or white.
IFF safety goes beyond black or white
Black Field IR – Keeps you hidden
The black reflective film is built onto your patch for covert operations.
This patch will protect you when stealth movement is required.
The protective black film is only detected by a night vision device.
If this happens, the patch will glow, and detect your movement for secure IFF protection.
You can be confident the others in your unit with an NVD will see your location and not harm you.
In addition, a white light source will not reflect your position if the light hits the patch.
The black absorbs the light and keeps you safe.
White Garrison IR – Exposes your location
Base or street patrols are a few of the non-covert jobs that benefit from wearing a Garrison IR patch.
When white light from a car or flashlight hits the patch, the bright light bounces off and exposes your position.
The naked eye detects the bright patch and identifies the person.
Although a night vision device will detect this patch, IR.Tools does not recommend using for covert operations.
White light will compromise your position and IFF protection.
In summary, a Garrison IR reflective patch is primarily worn for non-covert operations, reflects white light, and is visible to the naked eye.
This picture taken in the dark, shows how white light reacts when it hits a Garrison or Field patch.
The Garrison patch on the top,
reflects the white light
and shines bright.
The Field patch on the
bottom absorbs the white light
and is undetectable.
Understand your IFF protection
Understanding how an IFF reflective patch works is critical to your friend or foe protection.
Wearing the wrong patch could have dire consequences.
Never hesitate to contact us for help.
Contact us. 443.292.8885
We look forward to talking with you and solving any of your infrared challenges.
Since 2006, Tom has been the driving force behind IR.Tools, dedicated to delivering top-notch infrared solutions to the military, law enforcement, and sportsmen communities.
What began with a single infrared patch has blossomed into a comprehensive store featuring hundreds of IFF patches, vehicle IFF, an extensive suite of thermal training targets, and tools for drone pilots.
Beyond his innovative products, Tom is passionate about educating users on infrared technology and showcasing how advancements in IR can enhance their operations.
Tom holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Regents University.
