A developmental hand-held precision targeting device for soldiers has been tested by the U.S. Army in a mountainous environment in New Mexico.

The device is to enhance the ability of soldiers to differentiate between enemy combatants and non-combatants operating in very close proximity to one another, allowing the employment of precision weapons and reducing the risk of collateral damage.

The Army said the testing -- by its Rapid Equipping Force, in partnership with Program Executive Office Soldier and its Soldier's Project Management Office PM Soldier Sensors and Lasers -- was conducted this month in mountains near the White Sands Missile Range.

"This terrain provides an outstanding environment to test the HHPTD under conditions and atmospheres very much like where we intend to deploy the system," said Capt. Dave Rolen, an acquisition officer with Special Operations Command. "We can see the proper ranges, and the proper elevations, and elevation changes from a high point of view down to a low point of view, or up to the side of the canyons and mountains up here."

The Army said troops used a variety of technologies in varying terrain and temperatures and recorded data to help set specific HHPTD development goals.