Active Denial Technology Demonstration Held at Quantico

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey hosted more than 90 DoD and other government agencies to an Active Denial Technology Demonstration during October 2014. The event enhanced senior leadership awareness of Active Denial Technology and of its potential utility in current and future operations. Lt. Gen. Bailey was the event's first volunteer to feel ADT's effects first-hand. (Lance Cpl. Elisha Peake)  

QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

10.30.2014

Story by Jacquelene Van Pool 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

QUANTICO, Va. - Leaders from several different services and agencies gathered at Range 4 for a demonstration of the Active Denial Technology, a nonlethal weapons system developed by the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate on Oct. 30.

The purpose of the demonstration and display ADT was to facilitate senior leader awareness of ADT and appreciation of recent advances in source technology and of its potential utility in current and future operations, according to Kelley Hughes, spokesperson, JNLWD. The demonstration was attended by members of various government agencies.

"This technology complements kinetic systems we have," said Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policy, and Operations and chairman of the Joint Integrated Product Team, DOD Non-Lethal Weapons Program. "When you work our mission, in the new normal, we deal with a lot of kinetic activity. Now you have a technology that is not lethal. You have a means to de-escalate without firing a weapon."

The active denial system has been in development since 1997. The latest models are becoming smaller and more expeditionary in order to provide warfighters and law enforcement officials with a greater range of options. The system uses a focused beam of directed energy to cause an intolerable heating sensation on the surface of the skin. The temporary sensation engages a person's instinctive flight response.

"This is the technology of the future that will enhance the ability of the warfighter to accomplish the mission," said Bailey.

"I had an idea of what to expect, however, I gained a new sense of respect for this type of technology," said Sgt. Maj. Peter Siaw, sergeant major, Education Command/Marine Corps University, who volunteered and experienced the Active Denial Technology first-hand at the demo.

"When I was engaged, I felt an intolerable heating sensation. I immediately stepped out of the way and was fine. I am convinced that it is very safe and effective. Potential applications include static defense, area denial, suppression of vessel and vehicle operators or occupants, critical asset protection and crowd control," Siaw added.

For information about the JNLWD and the active denial system, visit: www.jnlwp.defense.gov.

• Date Taken: 10.30.2014
• Date Posted: 11.06.2014 13:06
• Story ID: 147195
• Location: QUANTICO, VA, US