In a new programme that will screen tonight, the Science Channel has uncovered the development of drugs for US soldiers that could see them “not need to eat”.
Professor Hope Harrison told the programme: “We do know that today the US government is developing drugs that they hope will make US soldiers sort of superhuman fighting machines that will make them for example not need so much sleep, not need to eat, not feel as much fear.”
The fresh claims against the US military come after it was recently revealed that from 1948 to 1975, tests were carried out at the Chesapeake Bay region at the Edgewood Arsenal military installation in Maryland following a 2012 investigative report that led to the release of a number of previously declassified documents.
The tests were reportedly supported by then-President Dwight Eisenhower.
The tests were carried out under the visor of a secret program named “Operation Delirium” that saw Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), tear gas and nerve agents used on domestic troops to see how they responded, according to Ms Harrison.
She added: “Operation Delirium was a US Department of Defence to test chemical agents on our own troops and see what happened.
“It was kept under cover because of course they knew, you know look these are human experiments.
“The drugs they used ranged from LSD to tear gas to nerve agents.”
During the period it is estimated that 7,000 soldiers took part in experiments where the goal was to “test chemical agents on our own troops and see what happened”.
The documentary shows shocking footage of soldiers responding to orders with laughter after succumbing to the effects of the tests.
Tear gas and nerve agent tests caused some soldiers to experience painful symptoms such as eye irritation, hard breathing and “searing chest pain”.
The tests reportedly came to an end in 1975 after questions of ethics were asked – however the US government could be planning to ignore criticism in favour of a powerful drug development.
The programme will air tonight in the UK as part of the Science Channel’s What on Earth? Series.
Outside of reported drug development, the US military is currently conducting drills on Kim Jong-un’s doorstep, shortly after Pyongyang tested its most powerful missile test yet.
The five-day military exercise is taking place between US and South Korean forces as World War 3 tensions are upped another gear.
South Korea’s defence ministry said: “It’s aimed at enhancing the all-weather, day and night combined air power operation capabilities of South Korea and the US.”
The US Seventh Air Force added: “The realistic air combat exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between US and Republic of Korea forces, and increase the combat effectiveness of both nations.”
The drills were planned in advance and are not taking place as a response to Kim Jong-un’s latest threatening missile test.