Non-Lethal Weapons in DoD
In 1995, LtGen Anthony Zinni, USMC, was charged with protecting the final withdrawal of United Nations forces from Somalia. He explored the prospects of using non-lethal weapons (NLW) to accomplish his mission and asked for a quick response in fielding non-lethal capability sets. The US Marine Corps and the US Army teamed to provide available NLW capabilities for use in and around Mogadishu. LtGen Zinni's aggressive support added credibility to the initial NLW effort.
On 9 July 1996, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued Directive 3000.3, Policy for Non-Lethal Weapons (NLWs). The Directive established DoD policies and responsibilities for the development and employment of NLWs and designated the Commandant of the Marine Corps as Executive Agent for the DoD Non-Lethal Weapons Program. The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD), on behalf of the Executive Agent for Non-Lethal Weapons, leads the DoD in the identification, evaluation, recommendation and development of NLWs to enable their employment across the range of military operations. The JNLWD conducts its efforts in cooperation with many partners, most notably the Services, to enable the Services to make informed decisions on the fielding and operational use of NLWs.
Based on experiences in the Balkans and in Afghanistan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has demonstrated interest in non-lethal weapons and capabilities. We are working closely with NATO to establish mutually agreed to criteria for NLW effectiveness, human effects, equipment lists for non-lethal capability sets, and studies to integrate non-lethal weapons in future peace operations.
Since that time, NLWs have proved their value during conflict. This value was demonstrated in an April 2000 incident in Kosovo in which an impromptu crowd situation turned violent. The use of NLWs during this incident saved the lives of both soldiers and civilians. More recently, NLWs have assisted our troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom by providing them with alternatives to deadly force in the non-traditional battlefield. For example, Vehicle Lightweight Arresting Devices and Long Range Acoustic Devices are being used instead of bullets at selected checkpoints to determine the intent of approaching vehicles. Flash-bang grenades were used during fighting in Fallujah in preference to fragmentation munitions when noncombatants were in the vicinity.
The potential offered by NLWs is increasingly being recognized by those inside and outside the DoD. The Council on Foreign Relations’ 2004 report, "Nonlethal Weapons and Capabilities," emphasized that NLWs "could substantially improve the United States’ ability to achieve its goals across the full spectrum of modern war" and called for an increased commitment to realizing this potential. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense initiated the U.S. military transformation process in order to achieve and maintain military advantages over potential adversaries. This transformation includes a greater emphasis on the availability of NLWs. The need for NLWs is also highlighted in the Homeland Defense & Civil Support Strategy 2005 and 2006 QDR.
About the JNLWP Logo
The JNLWP’s Latin motto, Pax Custimus–Vita Custimus, is loosely translated as "Safeguarding Peace – Safeguarding Life".
The JNLWP logo has a shield as a symbol of protection. A sword poised in a download position representing non-lethal military protection of life and peace separates the four stars–one for each of the Services. The four stars are white, and the two halves of the shield are red and blue to represent the United States of America while the olive branches are symbols of peace. The insignia is presented over the earth, symbolic of our global commitments.