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 non-lethal 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.