Sounds like something from Star Trek? Sort of, but it is something that U.S. Marines want to bring with them on the field --- a device that can warn or visually suppress opponents or unidentified people who are approaching without the need to fire a shot or cause damage to their eyes that powerful green lasers do.
Part of the Ocular Interrupter System (OIS) Program, this system is a permanent replacement for the GLARE MOUT 532P-M and LA-9/P Green Beam Dazzling Laser Systems. It is either weapon mounted or hand-held and can dazzle an approaching person from a good distance.
Adopted for this purpose is the B.E. Meyers GLARE RECOIL Non-Lethal Hail and Warning device. Whilst the Marine specification for this device is an effective range of 500 metres, the GLARE RECOIL is effective up to 25 kilometres far exceeding the requirements. The GLARE RECOIL will replace the Glare Mout 532P-M and the LA-9/P Green Beam Dazzling Laser which have been in service with the Marines for over 7 years.
The GLARE RECOIL gets the Joint Electronic Type Designation System (JETDS) identifier LA-22/U with an NSN of 5860-01-657-3893. B.E. Meyers got the US$49 million contract to supply the LA-22/U.
Whilst its main purpose is a 250mW maximum output green laser dazzler, it can also be used as laser rangefinder. As it is a dazzler, the green laser cannot cause blindness and is considered safe for the eye. It can only disorient and frustrate the target when approaching the Marines.
B.E. Meyers, in their press release posted at Soldier Systems, further describes the GLARE RECOIL/LA-22/U:
Fitted with B.E. Meyers’ groundbreaking and patented SmartRange™ technology, the GLARE RECOIL™ integrates laser range finding, near-field detection, and a 3-axis gyroscope into the unit’s safety controls. This technology allows it to detect objects/persons entering the proximity of the beam, and self-regulates the power output to maintain controlled EyeSafe™ Class 2M irradiance while ensuring maximum permissible exposure on target.
An initial 144 units will be delivered in the following months and a total of 1,848 units are expected to be fielded in 2019, according to the Marine Corps Times.