Publication

This report argues that integrating non-lethal weapons (NLW) more widely into the US Army and Marine Corps could have reduced damage, saved lives, and helped limit the widespread looting and sabotage that occurred after the end of major conflict in Iraq. The authors explain that incorporating NLW capabilities into the equipment, training, and doctrine of the armed services could substantially improve US effectiveness in conflict and post-conflict scenarios, and homeland defense. They conclude that equipping US-trained and supported local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq with NLW would help reinforce authority and be more acceptable to local populations than conventionally armed troops.