INFORCE Blog

A SOCOM operator, short for Special Operations Command operator, embodies the pinnacle of elite military capability. These individuals are the tip of the spear, honed through rigorous training and battle-hardened experience. They operate with unparalleled precision, adaptability, and resolve in the most challenging and hostile environments imaginable. SOCOM operators are masters of their craft, integrating cutting-edge tactics, advanced weaponry, and unwavering determination to accomplish the most demanding missions with unmatched efficiency. They epitomize professionalism, courage, and commitment, serving as the vanguard of national security and the embodiment of excellence in modern warfare.

When it comes to gear, Tier One or SOCOM operators don't settle for anything less than the absolute best. They demand equipment that's as tough as they are, reliable in the most extreme conditions, and optimized for peak performance. This is true for all their equipment, but especially for mission critical items such as weapons, armor, communications devices, and illuminating devices.

Every operator knows that when the sun goes down or they're navigating through dark, hostile territory, they need a flashlight they can trust with their lives. Flashlights and night vision devices are vital for missions done under the cover of darkness such as infiltration, room clearing, hostage rescue, and others which require a degree of stealth.

That's where INFORCE comes in. Our tactical flashlights are purpose-built for the harshest environments, delivering blindingly bright light precisely where it's needed, giving operators the advantage in any situation.

Our tactical flashlights are the go-to choice for elite units across the globe. Utilized by United States Tier One personnel across four branches, our products are also in the inventories of elite foreign operators like the British SAS, the Australian SASR, French special forces, and Canadian SOF, who all rely on our gear to get the job done right.

SOCOM personnel choose their gear based on durability, reliability, effectiveness, and versatility. INFORCE has all four of these attributes. For example, operators know that when it comes to clearing rooms and navigating tight spaces, every advantage counts. That's why they've adapted our WML Gen 3s to serve a dual purpose – not just mounted on their firearms, but also affixed to their helmets.

When a team breaches a door and enter a darkened room, some operators angle their helmet-mounted lights upward, casting a soft glow across the ceiling which illuminates the entire room. This clever tactic, known as "umbrella" or "shower" lighting, allows them to illuminate their surroundings without giving away their position. By avoiding the telltale beam of light down the hallway, they maintain the element of surprise, staying one step ahead of their adversaries.

INFORCE lights are also fit for use by Navy frogmen. When Navy frogmen slip beneath the surface, their gear must perform flawlessly under pressure. Thanks to their high depth tolerance, INFORCE lights remain fully functional. Whether it's conducting covert underwater missions or navigating murky waters, INFORCE lights are trusted to perform both on land and at sea. The INFORCE WML Gen 3, for example, is engineered with double gaskets and Teflon seals, ensuring it can withstand depths of up to 66 feet slightly beyond the limit for PADI-certified Open Water divers.

As operators move through the shadows, their night vision devices rely on amplifying existing light for them to see, which is where INFORCE WML Gen 3 White/IR lights come into play. Designed to seamlessly integrate with night vision devices, the WML Gen 3 White/IR can seamlessly toggle between visible white light to invisible infrared with the flick of a switch. provide a clear view of the terrain ahead. But in the absence of light, navigating hazards can be treacherous. That's where the INFORCE WML White/IR steps in, casting a covert infrared beam that illuminates their path without giving away their position to the enemy.

Elite units worldwide trust INFORCE to illuminate their path through the shadows of the most critical missions. From the fierce battlegrounds patrolled by US Special Operations Forces to the distant theaters where our foreign allies operate, our lights ensure operators possess the crucial advantage needed for success in low light environments. Whether affixed to weapons or helmets, whether breaching doors or infiltrating enemy lines, INFORCE lights empower warfighters to confront danger with unwavering confidence and surgical precision.

To shop Gen 3 INFORCE lights, click here

For those who have hesitated to embrace the capabilities of the INFORCE WML (Weapon Mounted Light) due to its traditional top rail placement, it's time to reconsider. While the default positioning might seem convenient at first glance, placing it atop the rifle can lead to significant drawbacks, such as obstructing optics or a rifle’s front sights.

However, savvy shooters understand that the beauty of the INFORCE WML lies not only in its performance but also in its adaptability. With a full-length Picatinny rail on your rifle's handguard, you have the freedom to explore alternative mounting configurations that optimize both functionality and accessibility.

Rethinking Traditional Mounting

Let's address the elephant in the room: mounting the WML on the top rail might seem like the obvious choice for easy thumb-switch access, but it comes at a cost. As mentioned earlier, this placement can interfere with optics or compromise the effectiveness of your front sights, undermining the very purpose of having a weapon-mounted light.

Consequently, mounting the WML on the lower portion of the handguard would make it too difficult to operate. This setup inhibits intuitive activation of the light, particularly for users employing vertical foregrips.

Strategic Alternatives

Enter the strategic alternative: lateral mounting. For users equipped with angled foregrips, positioning the WML on the side of the handguard offers a natural and ergonomic solution. This configuration can also be achieved with a low-profile 45-degree canted mount if side mounting is impossible, ensuring seamless access to the thumb switch for both right and left-handed shooters depending on which side the light is mounted on.

This operator uses an INFORCE light as far forward on his handguard's rail as possible to both reduce barrel shadow and improve the ergonomics of turning the light on and off.

In practice, this means opting for a left-side mount for right-handed shooters and vice versa. By aligning the WML with the rail in this manner, users can maintain optimal control over their firearm while effortlessly activating the light as needed.

Moreover, shooters can still maintain their preferred optic placement on the top rail by incorporating a riser. By selecting a riser high enough to clear the mounted WML, shooters can enjoy the benefits of both illumination and precision targeting without compromise.

Toolless Adaptability

The hallmarks of INFORCE are their durability, simplicity, and raw power. Both the WML and its larger counterpart, the WMLx, are engineered to withstand the rigors of tactical use while delivering unmatched performance in low-light environments.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails, the INFORCE WML boasts a toolless attachment system, allowing for quick and hassle-free adjustments. This design allows shooters to experiment with different mounting configurations until they find the perfect fit for their needs.

Maximizing Performance

While lumen counts on the WML and WMLx lights are impressive, it's their beam intensities that truly set them apart. With the WMLx and its staggering 25,000 candelas, these lights are capable of inducing flash blindness even in broad daylight.

To fully leverage this formidable candela output, it's imperative to avoid any obstruction that might compromise beam projection. By mounting the WML as far forward on the handguard as possible, shooters can minimize barrel shadow and ensure unimpeded illumination when it matters most.

The versatility of a tactical accessory is directly proportional to its combat effectiveness. The INFORCE WML exemplifies this, offering shooters a multitude of mounting options to suit their individual preferences and operational requirements.

By positioning your INFORCE Weapon Mounted Light on the handguard of your AR-15-style rifle to fit your particular needs, you can unlock its full potential while mitigating the common pitfalls associated with traditional mounting configurations. Whether you're navigating low-light environments or engaging targets in broad daylight, rest assured that your WML is ready to illuminate the path ahead with unparalleled clarity and precision, all while allowing you to maintain your preferred optic setup.

For many Americans, the choice to keep a firearm close at hand for home defense is a deeply personal decision based on an individual’s conviction to protecting himself and his loved ones from potential threats. What's interesting is that even though most people assume that the highest risk of encountering a home intruder occurs under the cover of night, there is still a debate of whether or not to equip one's firearm with a mounted flashlight.

There's a diversity of perspectives on this matter. Some opt for a handheld flashlight, since they want to avoid inadvertently flagging a family member or pet with a firearm's muzzle. Conversely, there are those who forego any form of additional illumination, relying mainly on the idea that flipping a light switch will cause an intruder to run.

However, the reality of home invasion scenarios can be far more complex. Merely illuminating a room may not scare away a determined intruder. In fact, it could potentially provide them with an advantage, alerting them to your presence and allowing them to prepare a defensive or offensive response which could result in a gunfight. Consider a scenario where an intruder is already inside your home, armed and intent on confrontation. In such dire circumstances, relying solely on the flick of a light switch may prove insufficient, if not outright hazardous, since it would alert the home intruder of your presence, which could lead to an ambush situation in your own home.

This is where it becomes important to recognize the benefits of using a flashlight with a with a home defense firearm. Even if its primary function is to illuminate your surroundings and identify potential threats, a flashlight serves as a crucial tool for navigating high-stress situations in low-light environments. It's a matter of practicality and preparedness, ensuring that one doesn't stumble blindly into danger or inadvertently tip off an intruder.

As mentioned earlier, one of the chief concerns of people who refuse to mount flashlights to their weapons is accidentally flagging their wives and children. However, modern lights like the INFORCE WML White Gen 3, attached to – for example, a pistol caliber carbine – don’t need to be pointed “down range” to illuminate a room.

With its impressive output of 400 lumens on high mode and a beam intensity of 10,000 candelas, this tactical light boasts the capability to effectively illuminate a room without the need to direct it towards potential threats. By simply pointing it towards the ceiling, the space can be flooded with light, aiding in target identification while minimizing the risk of accidental muzzle sweeping.

Moreover, statistical data from the FBI underscores the importance of being prepared for nocturnal threats. While burglary rates may exhibit a near-even split between day and night, violent crimes such as aggravated assault, manslaughter/murder, and rape significantly peak during nighttime hours. These sobering statistics underscore the necessity of being equipped to defend oneself effectively, particularly in low-light scenarios where visibility is compromised.

Ultimately, the decision to integrate a flashlight with a home defense firearm transcends mere preference; it's a matter of prudence and readiness in the face of potential danger. By acknowledging the complexities of home invasion scenarios and embracing modern advancements in tactical illumination, individuals can empower themselves to navigate such situations with greater confidence and effectiveness.

INFORCE lights are used by thousands of elite law enforcement and special operations personnel around the world. However, there are some naysayers online who claim that INFORCE products are poorly constructed and undeserving of their label as “tactical lights.” The issue is that those who complain are likely just a vocal minority who got unlucky with a dud product.

The fact of the matter is INFORCE lights go through brutal government tests to make sure they're tough, reliable, and built to last. In this article, we'll tackle some common gripes and set the record straight on how INFORCE lights are really built.

Issue # 1: They break very often

Before an INFORCE product leaves the factory, they are subjected to a battery of tests until they meet or exceed the US Department of Defense’s MIL-STD-810H testing requirements, making sure that it survives in extreme conditions throughout its life cycle. They are also put through laboratory and live fire testing to ensure they can handle heavy recoil as well as drops, bumps, and adversarial field conditions. This is why thousands of cops and Tier One operators trust INFORCE for dangerous missions.

Issue # 2: The battery drains even while the light is off

Anyone who claims that their battery drains while the light is off has received a defective product. Contrary to what some might claim, customers do not need to “break the circuit” on their lights by loosening the front cap to extend the battery life. In fact, the battery drainage problem was only a problem with some early production lights, and the issue has been resolved with current production models.

Issue # 3: Cannot be submerged

The newest generation of INFORCE WML lights, the Gen 3s, are required to exceed basic military water testing (MIL-STD-810H) by surviving a dunk in 66 feet (20 meters) of water. Considering that the maximum depth of a certified PADI Open Water Diver is 60 feet (18 meters), that's some serious waterproofing, tough enough for even the most hardcore underwater missions by SOCOM operators. No matter if you're dealing with a sudden downpour, a kayaking trip gone wrong, or needing a light during a dive, INFORCE lights can handle it. They're built to survive the elements and keep shining bright, even in the wettest conditions.

Issue # 4: Pressure pad lights are better

While pressure pads are adequate for certain situations, INFORCE WML lights win out in terms of ergonomics.  The WML is wireless, so you don't need to worry about cords getting snagged or yanked loose in the heat of the moment.  It’s also equipped with a non-slip actuator for speedy activation at the top or side of your rail. Despite its toolless installation, the WML attaches itself securely to any MIL-STD-1918 or Weaver rail, making it a stable and dependable light.

Don't let internet chatter cloud your judgement. INFORCE lights are battle-proven, trusted by law enforcement and special ops worldwide for a reason. They're tougher than nails, surviving brutal tests and real-world punishment. Plus, the WML series makes things user-friendly with a wireless design and easy mounting.

Here at INFORCE, we're so confident in our lights that if you ever get a defective product, we will replace it, free of charge. Don't settle for rumors and see for yourself why INFORCE lights are some of the best tactical lights in the industry.

Within the international military brotherhood, the French have some of the most well-trained and experienced operators on the European continent. With a history tracing all the way back to Charlemagne in the year 800, the French are the inheritors of a proud warrior tradition. Since the 1970s, French special operations forces have seen action everywhere from the deserts of North Africa and the palm-strewn island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to the streets of Paris.

An elite fighting force is a combination of well-trained individuals and top-tier equipment, and INFORCE is proud to announce that its cutting-edge tactical lights have been handpicked by elite French special operations units. Among them are the fearless Air Parachute Commando No. 10 (CPA 10) and the dynamic RAID (Research Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence), who have both opted for INFORCE as their weapon light of choice for covert missions.

Air Parachute Commando No. 10 (CPA 10)

The CPA units, officially known as Commando parachutiste de l’air, are specialized air assault units operating under the French Air and Space Force. These units have a rich history, initially modeled after the Soviet airborne troops and molded to fit France’s specific strategic needs, the CPA is currently actively participating in conflicts such as counterinsurgency operations in North Africa and Afghanistan. CPA 10, one of the distinguished CPA units, focuses on reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and unconventional warfare. Notably, CPA 10 showcased its valor by defending the French embassy in Ouagadougou against a determined terrorist attack, demonstrating its competence and commitment to safeguarding national interests.

RAID (Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence)

RAID, an elite tactical unit of the French National Police, was founded in 1985 with the primary mission to combat extremism and terrorism on French soil. Despite its relatively young age, RAID has earned a reputation for its exceptional performance in numerous high-risk operations against kidnappers, potential suicide bombers, and lone wolf terrorists. Operating with a consistent history of operational successes, RAID has maintained a remarkably low casualty count of only three since its inception. The unit has been actively involved in countering both foreign and domestic threats and collaborates closely with other renowned counterterrorist forces, such as the GIGN. In 2023, RAID units were deployed all over France to assist local police in dealing with nationwide riots after the killing of a North African teenager by police.

Both CPA 10 and RAID have chosen the INFORCE WML White/IR tactical light for its exceptional durability and tactical versatility, making it an ideal companion for their missions. Specifically designed for low-light engagements, this tactical light boasts a peak intensity of 3800 candelas within a concentrated 400 lumen beam. Additionally, it features 100mW of infrared (IR) power, catering to the units' requirements for seamless integration with night vision optics. The INFORCE WML White/IR has proven to be a reliable tool, meeting the stringent demands of these elite units during their critical operations.

The use of INFORCE lights by French special operations forces is a testament to the quality engineering utilized in INFORCE lights and underscores the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for military and law enforcement professionals. As these elite units continue to operate in complex and high-stakes environments, their endorsement of INFORCE tactical lights reflects their trust in the brand's reliability, durability, and tactical effectiveness. INFORCE's collaboration with these esteemed units showcases its dedication to supporting those who safeguard national security all over the world, setting a standard for excellence.