Militaries Less Lethal Weapons

It is hard to be understood in a practical sense when your entire mission in life is to hurt people. At least that is the situation behind our Military’s Pain Ray, also known as an Active Denial System (ADS) . The ADS works by directing electromagnetic radiation, such as high frequency microwaves, towards a subject. This frequency causes the water molecules underneath the skin to heat to approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit with a two second burst, cause a burning sensation. Any hirer and the injuries could be hazardous.

In May 2005, an initiative called Project Sheriff was suppose to deploy the ADS into Iraq, but it was postponed due to uncertainties about the technology. If the ADS was a lethal weapon, it would have been introduced into military field operations years ago. But ADS is a less than lethal weapon (LLW). The concept of LLW, especial when integrated with the military, raises many questions of uncertainty about ethical standards. Questions geared towards ADS is, does this radiation cause cancer, what if the ADS was held on a subject to long, and can it be used to kill? All very practical ethical questions concerning a weapon of this nature. Personally, I would propose using a weapon that can cause minor burns and injuries over the use of live ammunition.

There are known dangers of the ADS. First, there is human error. Anyone using the weapon incorrectly may cause serious injuries or death. Secondly, tests have shown that the reflection of the ADS beam can cause hot spots more than twice as strong as the main beam. And lastly, the risk of the weapon falling into the wrong hands could be fatal.

On the other hand, a weapon of this nature could be used as a beneficiary to our military personnel. It could save the lives of the men and women who put their lives at risk every day in the battle fields.

ADS Demonstration



Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System (V-MADS)
US military in denial over 'pain ray'
Weapon System Technology