The Need for Non-Lethal Weapons in Major Combat Operations
Abstract
The United States military has been vigorously engaged throughout the full range of military operations during the course of the past two decades. Since gaining prominence during the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Somalia in 1995, non-lethal weapons have taken on an increasing role as our armed forces continue down the road toward doctrinal and technological transformation. While providing an option somewhere between the realm of "shoot" or "don't shoot", the utility of items such as rubber bullets, beanbag projectiles, and flash- bang grenades during looting, rioting, and similar unfavorable activities appears to be definitive and enduring. The need for non-lethal weapons during large- scale combat operations might not be so apparent. This leads to a fundamental question. Do non-lethal weapons have a legitimate battlefield role in major combat operations? This paper examines the need for non-lethal weapons in combat operations and considers the challenges towards their implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484301
Entities
People
- John P. Greene
Organizations
- Naval War College