US and coalition military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are employing high
power laser pointers as means of non lethal deterrent and saving lives. High
power laser pointers though are a new form of technology and are not yet
standard military issue. Due to their immense value in combat situations,
military personnel and their families are regularly buying high power laser
pointers at their own expense.
Sergeant Maiolo of the OIF 3 is one of
many military personal who privately purchased a high power laser pointer.
"I am deployed at Baghdad in OIF 3. I recently showed this laser product
to the platoon leader and both of us came up with many possible uses for this
military device.... This is a great alternative to tracer fire to direct troops
or a great way to paint a target; also a great intimidation to our enemies
overseas...We were thinking of ordering one for each platoon in our company. "
Sgt. David Maiolo
In a recent response to the value of laser pointers as
means of non lethal deterrent and saving lives, the US army Rapid Equipping
Force (REF) at Fort Belvoir Va has expedited the shipment of 2000 laser pointers
to soldiers in Baghdad , Iraq .
In terms of their use, a common dilemma
often faced by soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan is how to warn/deter
suspicious or aggressively driven vehicles that are approaching their checkpoint
or convoy operations with out using potentially lethal force. This is
particularly a problem during night operations when identification is more
difficult. Laser pointers have been especially useful in this regard as a means
of non lethal deterrent.
“The system was very effective in stopping
oncoming traffic and personnel," – Spec. Loren active duty Iraq
The use
of laser pointers in combat zones is not just limited to fixed positions and
vehicles. Military personnel out on patrol or in the field have also used laser
pointers as a non lethal means of deterrent. This use is clearly illustrated
from a soldiers records of a Baghdad night patrol on Route Michigan .
“"Hey!" the lieutenant shouted, shining a green laser pointer at a group
of men, walking into the road from an alley 50-75 yards away. They scattered."
The importance of laser pointers in saving lives is also acknowledged by
the Department of Defence (DOF). “When you consider the alternative which is a
bullet, I honestly believe we can use [lasers]; we can use them effectively. We
can use them in ways that don’t necessarily even, quote, unquote, “light up" the
individual, but provide a marker so individuals realize they are approaching a
danger point. And we will do everything possible to inform the Iraqi people of
their use, so when they see them, they react appropriately." – Lieutenant
General (LTG) Pete Chiarelli
These high powered laser pointers are
commercially available and are normally purchased by military personnel and
their families online. In situations when lives are at stake, it is essential
for the laser pointer to be effective. An effective laser pointer should be high
power (at least 75mW), high quality components and have out standing beam
specifications. Lives could easily be lost if poor quality, low power shoddy
laser pointers were used.
Article provided courtesy of www.dragonlasers.com
, an online retailer of high power laser pointers
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
