Lendle

This publication describes multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures (MTTP) for
consideration and use during the tactical employment of nonlethal weapons (NLW) in support
of warfighting personnel conducting training and tactical operations. This publication—
a. Provides an overview of NLW and its relationship to deadly force.
b. Provides NLW system description.
c. Describes the capability requirements of NLW.
d. Discusses fundamental concepts and training requirements involved with NLW.
e. Discusses the tactical employment considerations of NLW.
f. Discusses lessons learned from previous NLW use.

a. This publication provides a single-source, consolidated reference on the tactical employment of NLW and supporting systems.
b. This publication is not intended to restrict the authority of the commander from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner deemed appropriate.

Tactical Employment of Nonlethal Weapons (NLW)

Today’s world events mandate a need to project nonlethal force across all levels of war to enable our warfighters and leaders to effectively deal with a host of traditional as well as nontraditional threats. Now more than ever, the minimal level of tolerance for collateral damage and loss of human life, coupled with the tendency for the typical adversary to exploit the rules of engagement (ROE) to his benefit, necessitates an effective and flexible application of force through nonlethal weapons. Much like a rheostat switch in which power can be dialed up or down as desired, NLW provide tools to allow a commander to employ sufficient force to accomplish an objective without requiring the destruction of an enemy or the habitat. The intent of employing NLW is not to add another step in the progression of escalation with an adversary, but to add another tool to use anywhere along that continuum. This publication provides initial guidance for employing NLW in a tactical environment.