Directed Energy Weapons: Do We have a Game Plan?

Abstract : Warfare is an evolving process where innovations in technology and the application of that technology to military operations combined to provide an opportunity to gain military advantage. Today's military performs missions across the spectrum of warfare. In these roles, operators and planners must leverage technology in order to gain an advantage over their enemy and protect their forces. Directed Energy (DE) weapons (DEW) are at the forefront of the next revolution in military weaponry. These weapons seemingly promise the military planner and operator a wide variety of lethal and non-lethal capabilities to meet the challenges across the spectrum of warfare. The purpose of this monograph is to explore whether current U.S. policy and doctrine are adequate to employ emerging DEW technology. Second, it will recommend possible areas where doctrine and policy should focus in order to provide the best framework for implementing DEWs into joint operations. This study will address why DEWs are important to our national defense; what policy and doctrine are; current policy/doctrine concerning DEWs; provide an assessment of the current doctrine and policy; and finally provide a conclusion followed by a set of recommendations for future development of directed energy weapon policy and doctrine. Technology may allow us to gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield however, the proper integration, development, and employment strategies are critical to exploiting any new weapon system. Military forces must be organized, equipped, and trained properly. Doctrine and policy provide this framework to ensure our systems provide the required capabilities and necessary effects on the battlefield.