Official NSI Night Systems Instructor Patches — USMC Night Systems Instructor Embroidered Patch Owning the night — one student at a time. The Night Systems Instructor (NSI) designation is one of the most specialized and respected qualifications in United States Marine Corps aviation. NSI-qualified aviators are the subject matter experts in night vision goggle (NVG) operations, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, and all aspects of night and adverse-weather tactical flight. Based at MCAS Cherry Point and other Marine aviation installations, these instructors train the next generation of Marine aviators to fight and win in the darkness. Night operations are among the most demanding and dangerous aspects of military aviation. Flying helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft at low altitude in complete darkness, relying on NVGs and infrared sensors, requires extraordinary skill, situational awareness, and confidence in one's equipment. NSI instructors are the Marines who have mastered these skills and earned the privilege of teaching them to others. They develop night training syllabi, evaluate student performance during night flights, and serve as the squadron's go-to experts for all matters related to night systems employment. The NSI qualification is earned through extensive experience, additional training, and demonstrated mastery of night operations. This patch identifies the elite instructors who ensure Marine aviation maintains its decisive advantage in the dark. Perfect For: NSI-qualified Marine aviators, night vision operations specialists, USMC helicopter and tiltrotor instructors, and Marine aviation qualification patch collectors. We own the night — NSI.
