The Evolution of Non-Lethal Weapons - Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Could Be
Abstract
More often than not service members associate the use of Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) with "police type" operations during phases IV (Stability) or V (Enabling Civil Authority). Very little time is devoted to educating the force on the utility of NLWs in all phases of military operations. As a result, requirements are not being generated, which in turn limits the investments and prioritization made by military organizations to advance or invest in NLW technology. The United States military possesses the technological capacity to close many of the capability gaps with respect to counter personnel and counter materiel NLWs. However, this technology is considered to be highly controversial due to misconceptions that are fueling the reluctance of senior civilian and military leadership to use directed energy weapons systems such as the Active Denial System (ADS) operationally. There is no question about the effectiveness of the weapon system; in its current configuration ADS produces a non-lethal effect that is unmatched by any other NLW that is a program of record. Imagine what would happen if investments are made to advance the system beyond the current configuration reducing the size, weight, power, and cooling (SWaP-C). The benefits of investing in this technology not only provide a tactical advantage but an operational and strategic one as well. Waging war and winning is one thing. Waging war and winning, while preserving life and limiting collateral damage is another. In the court of public opinion, the latter would garner the most support from not only the American people but also those non-combatants of the hostile country.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1177300
Entities
People
- Stephenson S. John
Organizations
- Marine Corps University