| Submit your comments on this article |
| Science & Technology |
| Rapid Equipping Force helps Soldiers with a bright idea: laser pointers |
| 2006-02-11 |
| The US Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) at Fort Belvoir, Va., is expediting the first shipment of 2,000 new laser devices to Soldiers in Baghdad, Iraq. No, they are not the sophisticated weapon systems one would expect. This is a green laser pointer. The eye-safe lasers, popular in boardrooms and classrooms across the United States, proved to be a visual and non-lethal way of dissuading aggressive drivers in Iraq. "The system was very effective in stopping oncoming traffic and personnel,” said Spec. Loren Williams, based in Iraq, who routinely used the device. How does it work? This green pointer is about 50 times brighter than the familiar red laser pointer. Its unusual color makes it much more noticeable. Unlike a red laser, the projected green beam can be seen in mid-air in dark conditions. The laser is handheld, operates on standard batteries, and works at standoff distances. It’s unknown how one of the devices first landed in the hand of an inventive soldier, but leaders say troops have historically discovered field expedient and innovated ways to accomplish missions on the battlefield. In the past, the bright spotlights shined at a driver did little to dissuade erratic behavior. In traffic control points throughout Iraq, hundreds of cars pass closely by U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. At times, these vehicles approach at aggressive speeds or without headlights at night. According to field reports, aggressive driving has been reduced 60 to 80 percent of the time when the devices are used. In support of ongoing mission in Iraq, the U.S. Army continues to observe soldier innovations at the tactical level, and spread those innovations across the force. Based on Soldier feedback and observing operational use, the REF is working with vendors to make improvements for future spirals. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #6 Eric, Besoeker, and Bobby in the same county? |
| Posted by: Bobby 2006-02-11 14:21 |
| #5 We used laser pointers during the LA Riots and found them extremely effective in stopping people dead in their tracks. Just a briefing device but it was hugely effective. |
| Posted by: Sloluting Flereting3213 2006-02-11 13:54 |
| #4 Fairfax County Parkway in VA, Bes? If so, hello neighbor! |
| Posted by: Eric Jablow 2006-02-11 09:27 |
| #3 Probably first acquired from a divey Thai bar, where they are a popular item (so I hear cough! cough!). |
| Posted by: phil_b 2006-02-11 08:22 |
| #2 According to field reports, aggressive driving has been reduced 60 to 80 percent of the time when the devices are used. They strapped to a 50 cal mounted on a Humvee and tested it out on Fairfax Parkway. Soccer moms and mexican constrution workers began hitting the brakes immediately. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2006-02-11 07:09 |
| #1 They probably think its an aiming device and they're about to be vaporized. |
| Posted by: BrerRabbit 2006-02-11 05:59 |