Why aren’t non-lethal weapons being used by the U.S. and its allies?
Many would likely agree that minimizing harm is a worthy objective. It is speculated that the Pentagon possesses an extensive arsenal of non-lethal weapons. So why aren’t they being used? And why aren’t more being developed?
Non-lethal weapons come in various forms, each designed to incapacitate or deter without causing permanent harm. Here are a few examples:
- Infrasound Generators: These devices emit low-frequency sound waves that can disorient, induce nausea, and even cause loss of bowel control. The effects are temporary, ending when the generator is turned off. While effective for crowd control, indiscriminate use can cause permanent hearing damage (Toffler 134).
- Dogs: Unique among weapons, dogs can be controlled after being “fired.” Other animals may also be useful in reducing lethality in combat situations (Toffler 140).
- Laser Rifles: Designed to damage optical and infrared equipment, these can also temporarily flash-blind people. However, improper use risks causing permanent blindness (Toffler 136).
- Dazzlers: These non-lethal weapons use intense radiation to disorient targets, including both electronic sensors and human vision. The U.S. military began using dazzlers mounted on M4 rifles in Iraq in 2006 to stop vehicles at checkpoints (Wikipedia/Dazzler).
- Sticky Foam: Shot from a hose, sticky foam immobilizes individuals by fixing their feet to the ground (Toffler 137).
- Vomit Guns: These devices project radio waves that induce distress and vomiting, even through walls (YouTube/Vomit Gun).
- Sleep-Inducing Agents: Delivered through chemicals like DMSO, these agents incapacitate people by inducing sleep (Toffler 138).
- Anti-Traction Substances: These Teflon-like lubricants can make surfaces dangerously slippery, while polymer adhesives can immobilize equipment (Toffler 139).
- Special Munitions: Used to contaminate fuel or degrade engine function temporarily (Toffler 138).
- Chemical Fluids: These substances cause metal embrittlement, degrading critical components of military structures or facilities (Toffler 138).
- PHASR Rifles: The Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response Rifle temporarily disorients and blinds targets without causing permanent harm (Wikipedia/PHASR).
Beyond hardware, persuasion remains the most potent non-lethal weapon. Non-violent resistance has historically succeeded in mobilizing quiescent majorities to reject violence. However, modern media manipulation and propaganda often desensitize populations to violence, making this approach increasingly challenging.
The evolution of violent control methods far outpaces non-violent strategies for cooperation and progress. As wars and civilian casualties become normalized, a renewed focus on non-lethal alternatives could shift perspectives and reduce harm.
The Call for Change
According to Alvin and Heidi Toffler’s War and Anti-War: Survival in the 21st Century, the Pentagon has previously developed numerous non-lethal weapons (Toffler 140). Perhaps it’s time to revisit these discussions and expand the conversation.
Grace Aaron is the Los Angeles WILPF Branch Chair and Vice President of the Social Uplift Foundation.
References:
- Toffler, Alvin and Heidi, War and Anti-War: Survival at the Dawn of the 21st Century, Little, Brown and Company, 1993.
- Wikipedia, Dazzler (weapon).
- YouTube, Vomit Gun Demonstration.
- Wikipedia, Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response Rifle.
