Washington ? An investigation into allegations the Marine Corps delayed sending blast-resistant trucks to Iraq also will examine whether the Marines were negligent in delivering a laser to divert drivers and people from checkpoints and convoys, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

Marines on the front lines sought the tool, known as a Compact High Power Laser Dazzler, but stateside acquisition officials did not deliver it, a civilian Marine Corps official said. A less capable laser was eventually sent, but delays of nearly 18 months may have led to an untold number of Iraqi civilian casualties, according to allegations by the official, an internal critic whose claims are being investigated.

The deaths and injuries occurred when civilians mistaken as the enemy got too close to guarded areas and U.S. troops lacked a nondeadly way of forcing them away, according to the official. The Iraqi government has complained about such incidents in the past.

The dazzler emits a powerful stream of green light that stops or redirects oncoming traffic by temporarily impairing the driver’s vision. Without it, troops have to open fire when warning signals are ignored or not seen.

The Marine Corps has stressed that the allegations made by the official, Franz Gayl, reflect his personal views. Gayl’s conclusions stem from a series of case studies he was conducting for the Marine Corps plans, policies and operations department about the wartime acquisition system.

Gayl has been ordered to terminate the project, however, according to Adam Miles of the Government Accountability Project in Washington. Gayl filed for whistleblower protection last year.

The AP reported Monday that the Marine Corps had asked the Pentagon inspector general to look into Gayl’s charges that a nearly two-year lag in the fielding of mine-resistant, ambush-protected trucks (MRAPs) resulted in hundreds of Marines being killed or injured by roadside bombs.

A Feb. 20 memo from Gen. Robert Magnus, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, to the Pentagon inspector general requests that the dazzler allegations also be investigated.

The memo, obtained Tuesday evening by AP, notes that a Naval Audit Service review of the system for rapidly shipping needed gear to be deployed was recently completed. The Marine Corps has said that audit found shortcomings and fixes are being made.