Non-Lethal Weaponry: A Framework for Future Integration

Consideration of non-lethality and non-lethal weapons by the Department of Defense 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 nonlethal weaponry into future United States 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.