Editing Beacon (section)

=== Infrared marker===
[[File:IR strobe closeup.jpg|thumb|A CORE Survival HEL-STAR 6 IR strobe mounted atop this marine's helmet]]
[[Infrared]] strobes and other infrared beacons have increasingly been used in modern combat when operating at night as they can only be seen through [[Night-vision device|night vision goggles]]. As a result, they are often used to mark friendly positions as a form of [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] to prevent friendly fire and improve coordination. Soldiers will typically affix them to their [[Combat helmet|helmets]] or other gear so they are easily visible to others using night vision including other infantry, ground vehicles, and aerial platforms (drones, helicopters, planes, etc.).<ref name="light discipline">{{cite web |last1=Tishman |first1=Jon |last2=Schoen |first2=Dan |title=We Don't Own the Night Anymore |url=https://mwi.usma.edu/we-dont-own-the-night-anymore/ |website=Modern War Institute at West Point |access-date=4 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122101518/https://mwi.usma.edu/we-dont-own-the-night-anymore/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |date=22 January 2021}}</ref>

Passive markers include IR patches, which reflect infrared light, and [[chemlight]]s. The earliest such beacons were often IR chemlights taped to helmets.

As time went on, more sophisticated options began to emerge with electronically powered infrared strobes with specific mounting solutions for attaching to helmets or load bearing equipment. These strobes may have settings which allow constant on or strobes of IR light, hence the name.<ref name="hardhead vet">{{cite web |title=Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Ballistic Helmet Markers |url=https://www.hardheadveterans.com/blogs/reviews/identification-friend-or-foe-iff-ballistic-helmet-markers |website=Hard Head Veterans |access-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027190631/https://www.hardheadveterans.com/blogs/reviews/identification-friend-or-foe-iff-ballistic-helmet-markers |archive-date=27 October 2021 |date=19 February 2018}}</ref>

Advancements in near-peer technology, however, present risk since if friendly units can see the strobe with night vision so could enemies with night vision capabilities. As a result, some in the American military have stressed that efforts should be made to improve training regarding light discipline (IR and visible) and other means of reducing a unit's visible signature.<ref name="light discipline"/>