The Operational Aspect of Nonlethal Weapons; More Than Just a Tactical Capability
Abstract
The benefits of nonlethal weapons, both politically and morally, are the ability to incapacitate the enemy without killing him and to minimize collateral damage. Development and employment of nonlethal weapons will increase as these concerns will certainly influence the policymakers within the government. Nonlethal weapons are not meant to eliminate the need for lethal weapons but rather to complement them and provide additional options. Within the spectrum of force, nonlethal weapons provide the operational commander the means necessary to dominate that portion between diplomacy and lethality. The current lethal options have their limitations. The main limitation is the lack of options between utilizing lethal force and doing nothing. Options that fall in between need to be incorporated into all levels of combat so that the commanders are allowed to respond to differing threats with the appropriate response. These options are especially important due to the operational commander being increasingly tasked to achieve his objectives while minimizing casualties and collateral damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464501
Entities
People
- Terry L. Stein Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College