Research on the Timing and Methods of Non-Lethal Weapon Application in Different Contexts

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Introduction
2. Insights from Psychology and Group Dynamics
3. Overview of Non-Lethal Weapon Effects and Scenarios
4. Gray Zone Scenario Analysis
5. Combat Scenario Analysis
6. Civilian Scenario Analysis
7. Key Findings and Recommendations

Document Introduction

Non-lethal weapons (NLWs), which can influence individual behavior or degrade personnel and equipment effectiveness by producing temporary and reversible effects, are significant for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in achieving its strategic objectives. However, aside from military policing scenarios, data on the U.S. military's use of non-lethal weapons in various actual operations and wargames is extremely limited, and the DoD has not yet fully explored their effective use across different situations. To fill this gap, the Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO) commissioned the RAND Corporation to conduct this specialized study, resulting in this report.

This study is centered on scenario-based analysis, incorporating relevant research findings from psychology, group dynamics, and the effects of non-lethal weapons on the human body. The research team collected key information through literature review and expert interviews, constructing nine fictional scenarios spanning maritime, land, and air domains. These scenarios are adapted from real-world cases, including typical situations such as gray zone standoffs, urban combat, tunnel rescues, and civilian crowd control.

Through in-depth analysis of the scenarios in internal workshops, the research team not only identified opportunities for the effective use of non-lethal weapons but also clarified current capability constraints and desired future capabilities. During the analysis, the focus was on core elements such as risk perception, decision-making psychology, and group behavior, exploring how to enhance the effectiveness of non-lethal weapon use by shaping perceptions and leveraging decision-making heuristics and persuasion strategies.

The study found that non-lethal weapons can be effective in gray zone confrontations, civilian engagements, combat operations, and complex scenarios involving civilians. Among them, Acoustic Hailing Devices (AHDs) and laser dazzlers demonstrated broad applicability in almost all scenarios. At the same time, current non-lethal weapon systems have limited capabilities against large vessels and long-range, non-line-of-sight targets. Mounting relevant equipment on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and developing more portable Active Denial Systems are among the future directions worthy of priority development.

The report concludes with a series of recommendations for JIFCO. These include integrating insights from psychology and group dynamics into non-lethal weapon employment plans and tactics, prioritizing the fielding of multi-functional equipment, advancing future capability development, conducting legal reviews, and accumulating more data through modeling and practical exercises. These recommendations aim to provide scientific support for the strategic deployment and tactical application of non-lethal weapons within the U.S. military.