This effect is dependent on the power output of the weapon and the distance to the target. Terrain masking will provide some, but not complete, protection. Ground-based microwave radiation emitters can be suppressed by direct and indirect fire in the same manner described for EMP weapons. A particle beam is a directed flow of atomic or subatomic particles. If effective particle beam weapons are developed for use in ground combat the same kind of defensive measures taken against any direct-fire weapon will protect against their effects.
Terrain masking is the most effective method available to counter particle beam weapons.
These weapons appear at first look to have devastating effects on troops and equipment. A basic understanding of what they are and how they work, however, reveals that they are not nearly as destructive as first supposed. For example, while the thought of laser-caused eye injuries may be psychologically repulsive to the soldier, the extent of injury and subsequent recovery time for a laser injury are significantly less than those for a gunshot wound. A thin sheet of paper or cloth will defeat a laser. Also, permanent blindness is not a certainty.