Operational Planning Considerations for the Deployment of Nonlethal Weapons: A Commander's Guide

Abstract

Nonlethal weapons (NLW) will have great utility for the JTF-level commander by providing the capability to preempt conflict, separate belligerents, isolate non-combatants from combatants, shape the battlefield, minimize collateral damage, deny an enemy the use of supplies, materiel and terrain, neutralize WMD without spreading contamination, and by enhancing the effects of lethal weapons. But with this enhanced capability comes a more complex decision making obligation for the operational commander. He/she must analyze the appropriateness of NLW use and be confident that their use will reduce tension, not escalate it. The legal, social, political and environmental ramifications of their use must be well-understood and measured against the inherent uncertainties of conflict and the impact that unintended consequences may have on the greater military or political objectives of the operation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 17, 1999
Accession Number
ADA370659

Entities

People

  • Jonathan T. Pasco

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Area Denial Weapons
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Environment
  • Incapacitating Agents
  • Military Applications
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Nonlethal Agents
  • Nonlethal Weapons
  • Riot Control Agents
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.