Title: Non-Lethal Weaponry: A Framework For Future Integration
Subject: The nature of non-lethal weaponry in the Department of Defense (DOD) is explored as a framework for future actions related to the successful integration of this weaponry into the United States (US) military arsenal.
Author(s): Mark R. Thomas; Charles T. Clements (Faculty Advisor)
DTIC Keywords: ACOUSTIC WARFARE, ANTIMATERIEL AGENTS, ANTIPERSONNEL AGENTS, BIOLOGICAL AGENTS, CHEMICAL AGENTS, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES, LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT, NONLETHAL AGENTS, OPTICAL WEAPONS
Abstract:
Consideration of non-lethality and non-lethal weapons by the
Department of Defense (DOD) as an expression of military power is a
relatively new yet growing phenomenon. This report explores four issues
germane to non-lethal concepts and technologies in the DOD and makes
recommendations derived from those issues concerning the integration
of non-lethal weaponry into future United States (US) military operations.
The approach taken in the research centers on a modified content
analysis of unclassified materials published between 1990 and 1997
related to non-lethality and non-lethal weapons.
The genesis of non-lethality in the DOD has been convoluted, involving
multiple actors struggling over the definition of non-lethality along with
scattered operational experiences and the erratic development of
policies and technologies. Four motives now drive DOD non-lethality: A
changing threat; the need for more response options; the desire to
reduce lethality, and force protection. Non-lethality scenarios span the
spectrum of conflict and the traditional levels of war, while the suitability
criteria for non-lethals include technical feasibility, operational utility,
policy acceptability and safety.
Coherent, substantiated, decisive and appropriate actions must be
taken to ensure the transformation of non-lethality into an integrated
component of US armed capability. These efforts require a multitude of
actors engaged in policymaking, legislative, doctrinal, architectural and
acquisition initiatives drawn from the history, motives, scenarios and
criteria associated with non-lethality in the Department of Defense.