Yes, by all means get quality NV when you can afford it, but don’t let the lack of it stop you from becoming a “natural” night fighter the old fashioned way.
Once you are, NODs, as available, will be a big help and force multiplier.
But don’t anybody make the mistake of buying a NOD and considering himself a night fighter, as in, “check that qual off my list, I have a NOD.” That would be very stupid, because night fighting has many many aspects, and amplified vision is just one.
(I am specifically NOT referring to you. As your posts make clear, you must get out and train in all terrain.)
That's a rog, LT. And I have the scratches and bug-bites to prove it! $;-)