Lasers

[KuvahMagh]

I believe the actual "law" regarding bayonet sharpening refers to giving your bayonet a serrated, or saw like, edge to it. I'm not sure if it is a real rule though. The story originates from WW1, German Engineering units would use saw-like bayonets to cut things, the story was eventually twisted around in a semi-propaganda way much like the crucification of the Canadian Soldier and other such stories that have no real world proof.

[Aaron]

I believe the actual "law" regarding bayonet sharpening refers to giving your bayonet a serrated, or saw like, edge to it. I'm not sure if it is a real rule though. The story originates from WW1, German Engineering units would use saw-like bayonets to cut things, the story was eventually twisted around in a semi-propaganda way much like the crucification of the Canadian Soldier and other such stories that have no real world proof.

Could be but then the US would be violating the Conventions (*gasp*) with the M9, as well as various other nations.

I suspect it's all BS anyway, like the urban legend about it being illegal to use the .50 cal against people.

[KuvahMagh]

I believe the actual "law" regarding bayonet sharpening refers to giving your bayonet a serrated, or saw like, edge to it. I'm not sure if it is a real rule though. The story originates from WW1, German Engineering units would use saw-like bayonets to cut things, the story was eventually twisted around in a semi-propaganda way much like the crucification of the Canadian Soldier and other such stories that have no real world proof.

Could be but then the US would be violating the Conventions (*gasp*) with the M9, as well as various other nations.

I suspect it's all BS anyway, like the urban legend about it being illegal to use the .50 cal against people.

Like I said, I don't think it is a law, just a story stemming from a misunderstood use. The Saw-Bayonets were never used in Combat.

[Enkidu]

I believe the actual "law" regarding bayonet sharpening refers to giving your bayonet a serrated, or saw like, edge to it. I'm not sure if it is a real rule though. The story originates from WW1, German Engineering units would use saw-like bayonets to cut things, the story was eventually twisted around in a semi-propaganda way much like the crucification of the Canadian Soldier and other such stories that have no real world proof.

German bayonets where saw toothed on the reverse of the blade; The British regarded it as barbaric and reserved the right to summarily execute soldiers captured carrying them, and therefore the German grunts tended to file the teeth off thier bayonets. At least that's the story.
It is alleged that British ships used blinding lasers against Argentinean aircraft in the Falklands.

[Aaron]

German bayonets where saw toothed on the reverse of the blade; The British regarded it as barbaric and reserved the right to summarily execute soldiers captured carrying them, and therefore the German grunts tended to file the teeth off thier bayonets. At least that's the story.
It is alleged that British ships used blinding lasers against Argentinean aircraft in the Falklands.

And there's a few cases of them being used by Russian ELINT trawlers against aircraft crews. Nothing that could be proved though.

[Tsukiyumi]

No big deal; just have the pilots wear mirrored sunglasses.

[Aaron]

No big deal; just have the pilots wear mirrored sunglasses.

Your not far off base, that's the solution. They just have to be coated to reflect the laser.

[Enkidu]

I've spent about an hour doing some web surfing about the sawback bayonet. As KuvahMagh said, it was issued to engineers, but also a general issue to NCO's, and possibly machinegun troops. (I only found one poor reference to MG troops) It was withdrawn from frontline use in 1917, so did see plenty of combat. What's interesting is there is a lot of references to the allies, or just the French, shooting Germans captured with it, on bayonet collector forums etc, but no good sources. A few seem to lead back to the famous novel "All Quiet On The Western Front", It may well be just a WWI German urban myth.....

[Deepcrush]

I never learned many of these since they told us no one cared but... in the eyes of you none Americans, how many International Laws of War does the USA break?

[Teaos]

in the eyes of you none Americans, how many International Laws of War does the USA break?

I'm not sure if you are breaking the word of the law but you sure as hell break the spirit of it when you torture people. Sure you apparently have some way around the law but that doesnt make it ok.

You also kind of invaded a country with out due cause. Pretty sure thats not exactly legal.

[Sionnach Glic]

Kofi Annan called the Iraq invasion illegal when it happened.

I don't think the US breaks many, if any, international laws. The problem is just that your government acts like gigantic dicks every chance they get, gives the international community the finger and don't seem to grasp the whole "pot, kettle, black" concept.

[Mikey]

Yeah, who would have thought that the next major player to adopt that particular attitude would be the new president of France/fuhrer of the EU?

[Captain Seafort]

Kofi Annan called the Iraq invasion illegal when it happened.

I don't think the US breaks many, if any, international laws. The problem is just that your government acts like gigantic dicks every chance they get, gives the international community the finger and don't seem to grasp the whole "pot, kettle, black" concept.

Plus the "BANG, halt, who goes there?" mentality, and the US forces' track record regarding blue-on-blue incidents.

[Mikey]

the US forces' track record regarding blue-on-blue incidents.

I'm not sure that can be attributed to our stance on foreign policy.

[Captain Seafort]

the US forces' track record regarding blue-on-blue incidents.

I'm not sure that can be attributed to our stance on foreign policy.

It suspect it does, however, contribute to other nations being somewhat reluctant to get involved in your wars - they'd never be able tell whether the enemy or their "allies" posed the great threat.