RIGGED FOR RED

 

"Rigged for Red" is a military term used in the navy and special forces command centers. 

Originating from early submarine jargon, "Rig for Red" is normally a command used in the control room when the boat is going to be surfacing or coming to periscope depth (PD) at night especially during battle conditions.

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The purpose is to give the lookouts and the officer designated to head to the bridge upon surfacing a chance for their eyes to adjust to darkness when the command is given to surface or come to PD.

When underway at night and during battle stations, many key command spaces are rigged for red in order to to allow the commanders to adjust quickly to light conditions.

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Most submarines today use broadband blue lighting for night operations however many command spaces still have red lighting.