A ''Watch Dial'' Source of Illumination for Night Operations

Describes a simple, maintenance-free, and highly versatile source of illumination based on the familiar principle of the glowing watch dial. A nonhazardous radioactive substance mixed with a fluorescent material and encased in transparent material such as glass or plastic could be shaped and placed in almost any desired fashion. Appropriate, long-lived radioisotopes are available at reasonable cost. Specific applications are suggested for counterinsurgency operations in Vietnam.