FM 3-22.40 Tactical Employment of Nonlethal Weapons (2003).pdf

This is the latest edition (January 2003) of an important U.S. Army field manual (FM) covering the multiservice tactics, procedures, and techniques of non-lethal weapons (NLWs). NLW equipment currently being fielded is described and illustrated in detail: * Multiple ball projectile * Portable Vehicle Arresting Barrier (PVAB) * Ground Emplaced Modified Crowd Control Munition * Vehicle Mounted Nonlethal Grenade Launcher * Running Gear Entanglement Systems * Warp Cutter * Riot Face Shield, Ballistic Face Shield, Body Shield, Shin Guard, Riot Baton, Bullhorn. Disposable Handcuff, Pepper Spray, Caltrop * Road Side Spike Strip * Rubber Ball Grenade * Bean Bag * Diversionary Charge In the preface, it states: "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. This publication provides a single-source, consolidated reference on the tactical employment of NLW and supporting systems." Some highlights of the contents: "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. Overview of NLW - Chapter 1 describes the background, definition, and the concept description of NLW. This chapter discusses the development and employment of NLW, and explains the relationship of NLW to deadly force capabilities. The final portion of the chapter reviews policy per Office of Secretary of Defense instructions on employing NLW. Purpose, System Description, and Organization - Chapter 2 describes the purpose of NLW and gives a general description of currently available commercial or government off-the-shelf equipment and munitions. The chapter also addresses organization structure, to include system location/distribution, personnel requirements, and mission requirements/tactical structure. New Capability Requirements - Chapter 3 describes the applicability of NLW across the range of military operations. Chapter 4 describes training requirements, topics, methods, locations, and a program of instruction from the Interservice Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course currently available for NLW options. This chapter also addresses additional training available from civilian law enforcement agencies." It is fully illustrated with numerous line drawings.