2,000 Green Laser Pointers Rushed to Troops in Iraq
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Army Times reports that 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, not devices like the ones in this $1.37 billion order. Just simple green laser pointers. Having one pointed at you seems to be very effective at stopping aggressive oncoming traffic and personnel. As civilian laser pointers like Megalaser show, hand-held green laser pointers can be quite bright; their beams are visible in low light conditions and carry effectively.
In the past, bright spotlights have been bulky and often ineffective in these situations. Troops obviously began experimenting, and discovered that even harmless, eye-safe laser beams pack a precision and intimidation value that works. According to field reports, aggressive driving has been reduced 60 to 80% when the devices are used. Along with the potential for tragedy.
