Buck Rodgers in the 21st century millitary???

Yesterday I pulled this article off Drudge's website and had to give this revelation some pause. The military is actually gearing up to start using laser weapons in order to take out enemy defensive ground positions prior to putting boots on the ground. They're claiming that it will nearly eliminate all collateral damage (undesired casualties of consequence). While that sounds all wonderful and humane and such, what are we going to be left with for the satisfaction and affect of "shock and awe?" Somehow, melting a tank or an anti-artillery battery with a searing beam of light just leaves me a little flat. Ya know? It just doesn't seem to measure up to the adrenaline level achieved when, say, an A-10 "Warthog" dives in strafing an enemy's defenses or a line of armored tanks!!!



Here, click the pics and see what I mean...

Here's one test firing on the ground...


Here's one attacking enemy positions...


That hail of hell-fire coming out of the A-10's nose is a General Electric GAU-8/A "Avenger". It's one of the most awesome weapons in our military's arsenal and it's mighty damned impressive! Talk about "shock and awe!"
Here's a closer look at the fearsome devastation this thing unleashes...


Lasers, Pffftttthhhhh! And what the heck ever became of Nicoli Tesla's death ray? Huh?