PVS-17s were regarded as one of the successful systems that reached U.S. troops just before the Iraq War's Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) began. According to testimony by Lieutenant General Edward Hanlon Jr. before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Force on April 1, 2004, the Marine Corps fielded many new items of equipment and weapon systems just prior to or during the deployment of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force for OIF. Some were in response to requests from the deploying forces, and others were advance-fielded by Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC). Most new items were positively received and were combat multipliers. Of particular significance were: The Dragon Eye unmanned aerial vehicle; the Blue Force Tracker (BFT) systems; Combat Identification (CID) Panels/ Thermal Identification Panels; and Personal Role Radios (PRR). All of these initiatives provide enhanced unit situational awareness, from squad through division. Additionally, night vision devices such as the PVS-17 enhanced lethality and situational awareness in reduced visibility.