Is the concern about night vision or actual thermal sights? This is dated 1989 but I think night vision was issued starting in the 1970s. I'll keep looking. IIRC each vehicle driver, each crew served weapon, and each infantry team had at least one night vision device. Not TI but definitely increases night range
Scroll down to the lines beginning with the letter N
http://fas.org/man/dod-101/army/unit/toe/07247F000.htm