The US Army is putting laser weapons to work, and officials say the safety rules are simple: don't look down the barrel

Directed-energy weapons have seen recent use at the US southern border. US Department of Defense photo by Spc. Adrianna Douglas

US Army officials say the safety protocols for soldiers using lasers are surprisingly simple: don't stand too close to the target and don't look into the weapon.

Directed-energy weapons are seeing more operational use, particularly at the US southern border, where the Army has employed them against cartel-linked drones.…