What should your reaction be to an overhead flare at night?

Having the correct reaction to an overhead flare at night is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring personal safety. When a flare is deployed, it creates a bright, intense light that can temporarily impair night vision. By choosing to crouch or lie down, you reduce the risk of being blinded by the light and can also better conceal your position from potential threats in the area.

Crouching or lying down allows your eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness, minimizing the chances of being overheard or detected by adversaries who may be looking for movement. This action is a tactical response to ensure you remain less visible and can continue to assess the situation safely once the flare's brightness begins to fade.

Maintaining that level of awareness about light discipline and potential threats in an operational environment is essential for effective decision-making and maintaining personnel safety.