Non-Lethal Weapons and Evolving Fundamentals of 21st Century Warfare

Abstract

In complex contingency operations of the twenty-first century, the battlespace is riddled with mission ambiguity, extreme conditions, and determined enemies deeply embedded within the local population. To help guide soldiers through today s multi-faceted mission areas, the joint staff has introduced emerging fundamentals of warfare which include: end state, safeguarding the force, understanding, adaptability, and legitimacy. Non-lethal weapons are other vital tools available to the modern soldier, and bring with them a unique ability to bridge the distinct gap along the force application continuum. This research will demonstrate how selected Evolving Fundamentals of 21st Century Joint Warfare and Crisis Resolution apply exceedingly well to today's complex battlespace, how these fundamentals enable the operational-level employment of non-lethal weapons, and that lethal and nonlethal weapons, when used in a well planned and synchronized fashion, represent an essential tool in the operational commander s toolbox.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 17, 2005
Accession Number
ADA463343

Entities

People

  • James M. Kuhn

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ambiguity
  • Combat Areas
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Incapacitating Agents
  • Information Operations
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Nonlethal Weapons
  • Personnel Management
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design