Test all panel control lights. Prepare all night vision goggles for operation. Turn off all internal vehicle lights. Check the aiming post lights and lay of the guns. While doing this, the platoon can use silent watch, which is a defensive posture that minimizes all sounds that might be detected by the enemy.
Silent watch enables friendly security elements to better hear noises made by the enemy.
Mortar carrier engines are turned off, and radios are muted. Each mortar squad should be assigned an area of surveillance by the platoon or section leader. Dismounted security cart be used separately or in conjunction with mounted security. At night, the mortar carrier itself may compromise the platoon's position if proper steps are not taken. When the area is dark enough, one member of each squad inspects the vehicle from the outside to ensure that there is no visible light emitted.