Non-Lethal Weapons: Setting Our Phasers on Stun? Potential Stratetgic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield

Abstract

Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. DisclaimerThe views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Air University, the US government or the Department of Defense. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, it is not copyrighted, but is the property of the United States government.i Tables Page Table 1 AbstractThough still in its infancy, the emergence of non-lethal technology in recent years has the potential to change the way wars are fought. Whether non-lethal weapons become a key component of a revolutionary transformation of the military depends on an analysis of their likely strategic effects. This paper is intended to provide an overview of some of the key issues facing the development and employment of non-lethal weapons for senior military and policy leaders. The paper begins with a discussion of recent technology developments for non-lethal weapons. Next, it describes current capabilities as well as the research, development, and procurement efforts needed to bring more non-lethal weaponry into the force structure. The discussion concludes that the current emphasis in non-lethal weapons is on defensive, tactical uses.The strategic advantages and drawbacks of non-lethal weapons-their potential to affect policy outcomes-are examined next. After that, topics including legal concerns and operational issues that need to be resolved before non-lethal weapons can be fielded on a greater scale are explored. The ability of non-lethal weapons to positively influence the global war on terrorism is also assessed. It is suggested that advantages of non-lethal weapons in these operations outweigh their drawbacks. Finally, a concluding assessment of the future of non-lethal weapons is offered.v Non-Lethal Weapons …1

The Non-Lethal Technologies Against the Terrorism

“…Analyzing the NLWs capabilities to fight terrorism, [20] concludes that both the positive and negative potentials of these weapons seem to be increased when applied to counterterrorism operations, and ultimately "the advantages nonlethal weapons offer at the strategic level seem to outweigh the negatives and make them a particularly valuable tool for the war against terrorism".…”

The Non-Lethal Technologies Against the Terrorism

“…The strongly political nature of the war on terror and operational reality suggests that non-lethal weapons can be of particular benefit. Analyzing the NLWs capabilities to fight terrorism, [20] concludes that both the positive and negative potentials of these weapons seem to be increased when applied to counterterrorism operations, and ultimately "the advantages nonlethal weapons offer at the strategic level seem to outweigh the negatives and make them a particularly valuable tool for the war against terrorism".…”