Medical Implications of Lasers on the Modern Battlefield

This thesis examines the impact on medical units causes by the proliferation of lasers on today's battlefields; it demonstrates that a significant number of casualties are possible and shows the need for more rigorous modeling to quantify and characterize them. One important conclusion is that the major impact of laser weapons will be on the tactical commander, not the medical unit. The commander must recognize and understand the effect of the laser battlefield on soldiers, units, and leaders. Training, preparation, and appropriate tactics are necessary to conserve the unit's strength for the decisive action. Three engagements (light, armor-augmented light, and heavy battalions) are defined using the TRADOC Common Training Scenario and the CFSC Tactical Commanders Development Course (TCDC) computer simulation. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Air Defense Weapons model determined the laser's propagation. Each engagement was studied to estimate the number of lasers casualties. Specific areas investigated include tactical and medical laser- related doctrine, the status of laser technology and deployment, and threats, bioeffects, and the availability of medical support.