Some People’s Kids…

There are times when I have to remind myself that not everyone understands and appreciates the concept of operational and information security.

How effective is the DIRCM against modern and outdated anti-air missiles?

There was a similar question asked anonymously in early September of this year about the AIM-9X, and I like one terse and direct answer:

Why do people insist on asking detailed questions about classified weapons systems on open forums like Quora? I am not going to answer that, and shame on you for asking.

Looking at the source for this question, I am conflicted. Quora is a wonderful arena of information and opinion; some questions are posed out of genuine curiosity, and some perspectives serve to illustrate experiences or thoughts on any particular subject. At the same time, the true identity and motivations of the members here on Quora are never fully known or appreciated.

Questions with this level of specificity – on countermeasures which have not yet been fielded – are worrisome, especially for those of us either in a defense industry, on active duty, or retired but with close ties to a branch which is still cherished and attended to. I have written about my concerns with questions like this before: Why doesn’t ISIS have more success shooting down helicopters? The question was never answered by me then, nor will this one be directly answered by me now… for the same reasons.

Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) are currently in production and are being fielded by many branches of the U.S. military. Much of their operational parameters are still classified – for good reasons. What isn’t classified is easily found with a quick Google search… and beyond that, nothing else should be openly discussed.

I get it – folks really want to know; technology like this is fascinating to some. However, it is valuable to others in knowing how to compete or defeat. If there is a burning desire to quench one’s curiosity, I recommend pursuing a career in the various related fields, undergoing the scrutiny involved with a security clearance, and going from there.

Asking on Quora is probably not the best route.

…And answering with technical details is definitely wrong.