directed-energy-weapons

may also enable the United States to end conflicts more swiftly and with reduced casualties. For these reasons, theUnited States should oppose any initiatives to place new limits on directed-energy weapons.5. It will be important to conduct extensive effects testing of any directed-energy weapons that are likely to beemployed in close proximity to human beings. Systems such as the ADS, which is intended for use against humanbeings, must undergo rigorous human-effects testing. Other systems such as the ABL and MTHEL, designed for useagainst unmanned systems, may not require such testing. Those designed to be employed against manned platformsor against targets where human beings are present should undergo extensive effects testing to ensure that they do notpose a significant health risk. Opponents of directed-energy weapons are likely to assert a danger to human health orto the environment. The Defense Department should anticipate such a possibility and conduct the necessary testingbefore the systems are deployed.IV.RECOMMENDATIONSA number of well-thought out plans exist for the development of directed-energy weapons. The 2000 DoD HighEnergy Laser Master Plan, the Air Force Laser Master Plan and the U.S. Army’s Technology Roadmap each address thesubject of a path to the weaponization of directed energy. In general, these plans provide an appropriate set of roadmapsfor development of a range of directed-energy weapons. This study finds little to criticize in the Pentagon’s plans.What is required is diligence in pursuing goals already established in a variety of plans. In addition, more attentionneeds to be provided to military-operational and political issues that will arise with the proliferation of directed-energyweapons throughout the U.S. force structure.The study does make a number of recommendations. These recommendations reflect the basic reality that directedenergyweapons are on the verge of becoming a major force in modern warfare. Yet, history is filled with examples ofopportunities to gain decisive military advantage that were lost through simple inattention, lack of commitment or ascarcity of resources. The Defense Department has recognized that the process of transformation requires not onlyinvestments in technology, but also in new organizations and operational concepts.1. DoD must support current plans to develop and deploy first-generation directed-energy weapons systems. The mostimportant test of the transformational potential of directed-energy technology will be demonstration of the ability toemploy functioning directed-energy weapons in real-world engagements. The focus of DoD and Service efforts mustbe on proving that directed-energy weapons can be built and are effective in operational tests. Priority must be givento ensuring that the ABL program is seen through to completion. There also needs to be adequate attention andresources provided to the Army in the development of the MTHEL.2. DoD must ensure adequate investment in both near-term and advanced directed-energy weapons systems. At presentDoD and the services do not provide sufficient funding to support the additional research and development requiredin order to develop the next generation of directed-energy weapons The average annual expenditure on science andtechnology is about $2 billion across all defense elements. The DoD Master Plan makes the specific point that moredollars need to be spent to complete current acquisition programs and assure progress in advanced technology development.The amount of resources devoted to directed-energy science and technology should be doubled. One aspectDirected-Energy Weapons and The American Way of War55