Cyalume Glow Sticks For Military and Survival Use

For decades, Cyalume brand glow sticks, also known as ChemLights, have been used in the military, emergency and camping around the world as a critical piece of gear. These unassuming, single-use light sources provide illumination, signaling and marking along with providing Inferred lighting for military night vision. All glow sticks however are not created equal. This article explores the differences and uses of Cyalume glow sticks in military applications, civilian emergencies and general outdoor use.

Military-Grade vs. Civilian Glow Sticks

Brands are important. The glow sticks found at convenience stores and party supply shops pale to their military or better-quality civilian counterparts. Here's what sets them apart.

Durability: Trusted brands like Cyalume glow sticks are built to withstand all weather conditions. They have been tested and assured to be non-toxic, non-flammable, and have expiration dates for optimal brightness.

Brightness and Burn Time: Some colors such as red and white Military ChemLights have much higher brightness, but they also trade off for lower glow time. They can illuminate an area for up to 12 hours for standard use and 30 -6 hours for ultra-bright lights. Military lights also tend to burn at a higher level for longer and not decrease in brightness over time. Commercial versions may state a 12-hour burn time but will begin to dim faster. This extended visibility is crucial for signaling and navigation in the field.

Attachment System and Shape: Military Cyalume glow sticks often come with a rounded design that slides seamlessly into MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) webbing, allowing for easy attachment to backpacks and vests. Military versions also come with a full closed clip whereas clips on civilian versions may have an open hook. Civilian Snap Lights are also molded with edges instead of being round. This helps them not to roll but prevents easily being slid into MOLLE gear.

Rounded bottom: Military Cyalume is also made with a rounded bottom. This allows soldiers to cut the bottom of a glow stick wrapper and allow a smaller amount of light to be seen. This is good for map and gear reading where you want to minimize your illumination. Think of using it like a penlight. A military light holder can also be used that shields light and can be turned open or closed easily.  

In personal testing, we found the Chemlight and Snaplight to be similar but did find the Chemlight to keep its brightness a bit longer.

Military Size Options and Their Uses:

We like the 2-inch Cyalume ChemLight, despite its compact size, it packs a punch and has a lot of uses.

Size: The 2-inch glow stick in the military is for marking to identify equipment, mark paths, discreetly illuminate a map without compromising night vision, and give just enough to be visible from the ground on approach. 4” and 6” are used to give light, signaling, clearer path, or landmine marking. 12” or more is a great option for emergency lighting in blackouts.

Decoding the Colors: Green, Red, Yellow, and White

Military Cyalume glow sticks come in a variety of colors, each serving a specific purpose:

Green: This is the most common color, offering long-lasting visibility for marking, signaling, and general illumination.

Red: Red is ideal for preserving night vision as it disrupts this ability the least. It's often used for marking hazards, medical aid locations, or silent communication.

Yellow: Yellow is useful for short-range marking and signaling due to its high attention-grabbing quality.

White: White provides the brightest light and is used to illuminate larger areas, create landing zones, or mark drop zones.

IR (Infer Red): Specifically used for marking military personnel to be seen by night vision to ID friendlies.

Cyalume glow sticks are a must-have gear in any emergency or outdoor kit. From power outages at home, give quick light at camp, mark tents and trails, auto breakdowns, and just about anything where quick light or a signal is needed. ChemLights are a simple and easy item always to have.