Directed Energy Weapons and Ethics

Post Reply New Topic

I would like to ask about how humane these devices would be in your opinion.

Rather than copy material, I give this link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed-energy_weapon - which describes the concepts, technology and other information about them.

Specifically, what do you think of the Electrolaser and the Active Denial System? Not limiting the subject to them, but rather keeping it open to all energy weapons in reality, whether made now or still conceptual.

If these are to be used, what would be their function and who should be allowed to use them?

An ADS sounds like more of a riot-control weapon (although I heard their use in the later Left Behind books), and seems like a less-lethal weapon (all supposed non-lethal weapons can be used lethally). Humane? Well, as long as the worst it can do under standard operating conditions is cause blisters, and it is only used as crowd control, in conjunction with water cannons and such. Personally, the Brown note would be a more effective weapon in crowd control, but there is yet to be a proven frequency AFAIK.

The electrolaser sounds more like a blaster from a sci-fi movie, and seems more like it'd make it's way into the armed forces. I wouldn't like to get hit by any of those, but it seems that, unlike a standard gun, you can switch between a lethal blast and a non-lethal one. But many of the issues regarding tasers would also have to apply to a electrolaser.

Personally, I wouldn't want to get hit by any of these. But then again, I wouldn't want to get hit by a water cannon or a rubber bullet. Or pepper spray for that matter.

Oy vey! Not AGAIN! !! !!

I can only give an answer as to who should have these weapons.

No one who believes in an apocalyptic religion!! !

I believe that every last man woman and child should have a thermonuclar bomb, the only exception being the before mentioned apocalyptic types, or anyone else who has some kind of death wish.

Brown note? I think any short wavelength high amplitude note would be effective at motivating people to hold their ears. Have you ever heard a male cockatiel court his mate? Ouch!

What were they used for in the Left Behind books? Tim LaHaye isn't exactly an electronics engineer, so I don't expect him to know the difference between microwaves and millimeter waves and their effects. Causing skin temperatures to elevate compared to internal cooking, there the difference being.

Also, what if a handheld version of an ADS were made? Less powerful, but still effective at disabling people by pain. Would that be a good idea?



Depending on what type of lasers are available to the public an electrolaser could be homemade. The circuitry and power supplies are easily assembled, by anyone with some skill in soldering, just you would need a moderately powerful laser for sufficient blooming effect.

How would it be having citizens armed with such devices?




Should these devices be used and at whose discretion?

Better to just shoot them with real bullets

I suppose, but that is a strictly lethal option.

How about the Pulsed Energy Projectile which can be used to kill but is intended for riot control?

Not necissarily, you could just shoot them in the balls.

Not if you are an Officer, you shoot to kill.

I was a Corporal. I shot to piss off!! !!

I was told that Asperger's couldn't join the armed services, that it was a disqualification.

Aspergers wasn't accepted in th U.S. untill 1996, I entered in 1993.

Are you still in the military? When did you leave and why?

No I left in 1997 because my 4 years was up and I hated the unit I was in. (1st Surveillance, Reconniassance, and Intelligence Group in 29 Palms)

What do you do nowadays?