Briefly describes the components of laser weapons and their vast operational capabilities against specific targets. The challenge to the U.S. military is that its understanding of laser weapons technologies is outpacing efforts to bring these capabilities into the force, because the funding necessary to bring them to maturity is lagging behind what is required. To maximize the potential of these weapons, the United States needs operational concepts to guide investment in this technology, and developing these concepts merits top priority for U.S. military intellectual energy.

Caption title. "December 2006."

Introduction -- Growing laser weapons capability -- Progress in laser weapon systems integration -- Developing operational concepts for laser weapons -- Operational characteristics of laser weapons and their potential application -- Operational implications -- Enhanced survivability -- Complement soldier and unit force protection -- Ballistic missile defense (BMD) for affordable layered defense -- Offensive operations -- Ground operations: ideal ultra-precision strike systems -- Recommendations -- Conclusion.