Non Lethal Weapons:

Terms and References
TERM LISTING


I. Nonlethal Weapons
A. Acoustics
Acoustic Beam. High power, very low frequency beam emitted
from weaponry under development. Envisioned to be a
piston-driven or detonation-driven pulser which forces
compressed air into tubes to generate a low frequency wave .
Acoustic, Blast Wave, Projector. Energy generation from a
pulsed laser that will project a hot, high pressure plasma in
the air in front of a target. It creates a blast wave with
variable but controlled effects on hardware and troops .
Acoustic Bullets. High power, very low frequency waves
emitted from one to two meter antenna dishes. Results in
blunt object trauma from waves generated in front of the
target. Effects range from discomfort to death. A Russian
device that can propel a 10-hertz sonic bullet the size of a
baseball hundreds of yards is thought to exist. Proposed
fixed site defense . Also known as sonic bullets.
Acoustic, Curdler Unit. A device which is plugged into an
HPS-1 sound system to produce a shrill shrieking, blatting
noise. It is used to irritate and disperse rioters and had a
decibel range just below that of the danger level to the
human ear. It is used in night operations to produce a
"voodoo" effect and effectively breaks up chanting, singing
and clapping .
Acoustic, Deference Tones. Devices which can project a voice
or other sound to a particular location. The resulting sound
can only be heard at that location .
Acoustic, Doppler Effect Alarm. Any movement in the area
between a transmitter and a receiver causes a slight
variation in the sound pattern received. By measuring this
variation an alarm system can be made to be activated .
Acoustic, High Intensity Sound. Loud music was used by
American forces to drive Manual Norriega from the Vatican
Embassy in Panama in 1990. Also known as polysound .
Acoustic, HPS-1 Sound System. A 350 watt sound system with an
audible voice range of 2 1/2 miles. Used by the military in
Indo-China and then supplied to law enforcement. First used
by police forces at San Francisco State College and at
Berkeley in the 1960s . See also Acoustic, Curdler Unit.
Acoustic, Infrasound. Very low-frequency sound which can
travel long distances and easily penetrate most buildings and
vehicles. Transmission of long wavelength sound creates
biophysical effects; nausea, loss of bowels, disorientation,
vomiting, potential internal organ damage or death may occur.
Superior to ultrasound because it is "in band" meaning that
its does not lose its properties when it changes mediums such
as from air to tissue. By 1972 an infrasound generator had
been built in France which generated waves at 7 hertz. When
activated it made the people in range sick for hours .
Acoustic, Squawk Box. Crowd dispersal weapon field tested by
the British Army in Ireland in 1973. This directional device
emits two ultrasonic frequencies which when mixed in the
human ear become intolerable. It produces giddiness, nausea
or fainting. The beam is so small that is can be directed at
specific individuals in a riot situation .
Acoustic, Teleshot. Cartridge projecting a powerful sonic
device delivered by a 12-gauge shotgun. Experimental use in
1972 .
Acoustic, Ultrasound. A very high frequency sound whose
wavelength is "out of band" making it less effective than
infrasound because it losses its properties when it changes
mediums. Example, from air to human tissue. Like infrasound a
lot of power is required to generate these waves which create
biophysical effects. See also Acoustic, Infrasound .
B. Acoustics & Opticals
Acoustic & Optical, Air Burst Simulator. A diversionary
device normally used to simulate the air burst of artillery
rounds during infantry training. The device is fired via a
37-40mm launching device and has an 8 second fuze prior to
ignition.
Acoustic & Optical, Cod-Weight. A heavy, (2 pounds or
greater) weight to which a diversionary device is attached to
allow it to be thrown through window screens, window glass,
bushes and similar materials. The name is derived from the
original weights used for deep-sea fishing for Cod.
Acoustic & Optical, Diversionary Device. A hand thrown
pyrotechnic device which emits a loud bang and dazzling light
when ignited. The device is designed to create a sensory
overload which temporarily causes confusion and an inability
to effectively respond to a tactical team's actions.
Sometimes called a flash-bang grenade.
Acoustic & Optical, Diversionary Device, Launched. A
diversionary device which can be launched from a 12 gauge
shot gun.
Acoustic & Optical, Flash Stick. A stick or pole to which a
diversionary device is affixed, allowing it to be precisely
placed and held during ignition. Often used for exact
insertion through chain link fences, windows, heavy brush and
so forth.
Acoustic & Optical, Painter's Pole. An extendible pole to
which a diversionary device is affixed allowing it to be
precisely placed and held during ignition. Often used for
supporting second story entries from beneath. The name is
derived from the pole used by painters to hold paint rollers
when painting overhead.
Acoustic & Optical, Photic Driver. A crowd control device
developed by a British company prior to 1973 which uses
ultrasound and flashing infrared lights which penetrate
closed human eyelids. Potential for epileptic fits because of
the stroboscopic flashing effect. May have been employed by
South African Police during interrogations .
Acoustic & Optical, Psycho-Correction. A technology invented
by a Russian scientist that involves influencing subjects
visually or aurally with imbedded subliminal messages .
Acoustic & Optical, Stun Grenade. A non-lethal grenade, XM84,
in development to be used by Army military police .
C. Antilethals
Antilethal. Technologies which provide counter-sniper,
counter-mortar, antimissile and high-precision weapons
capabilities. Advanced forms of camouflage and sensors which
defeat lethal weapons are additional forms of this technology
.
Antilethal, Camouflage-Active. Created by dynamically
matching the object to be camouflaged to its background
colors and light levels rendering it virtually invisible to
the eye. This is conceptually the same camouflage process as
that used by a chameleon. This is accomplished through a
sophisticated color and light sensor array which detects an
object's background color and brightness. This data is then
computer matched and reproduced on a pixel array covering the
viewing service of the object to be camouflaged. Also known
as chameleon camouflage .
Antilethal, Camouflage-Metamorphic. Uniforms or paint which
change color due to either light or heat sensitivity.
Extremely useful for night and day operations and those
taking place in urban environments .
Antilethal, Counter-Sniper. Electronic sniper-locating
systems based on acoustic, shock wave or infrared measuring
technologies. Provides the location of a hostile sniper to a
sniper team or to an automated counter-sniper system which
can fire either a kinetic round or a low-energy laser at the
hostile sniper .
Antilethal, Electronic-False Target Generation. An electronic
device that creates and presents an image of a target to a
precision laser-guided weapon that causes that weapon to aim
at the false target. Used as a countermeasure to those
precision guided weapons .
Antilethal, Electronic-Shell Detonator. A system fielded by
U.S. troops in Bosnia which creates an electronic field that
causes mortar and artillery shells to explode prematurely by
signaling to them that they have reached their target .
Antilethal, Electromagnetic Shielding. A form of defense
against microwave attack. A metal box, known as a "Faraday
Cage," can sometimes function as one by excluding
electromagnetic fields .
Antilethal, Food Bomb. Humanitarian use of nonlethal weapons.
Place concentrated food pellets rather than anti-personnel
bomblets in a cluster bomb unit. For use in cities under
siege on the verge of starvation.
Antilethal, Laser Protection. Protection is achieved in three
ways: absorption using dyes, reflected using optical coatings
and the blocking of specific wavelengths .
Antilethal, Laser Protection-BLPS. Ballistic and Laser
Protective Spectacles. Since 1988, these devices have been
issued to high priority Army and Marine Corps units. The BLPS
are dye-filled polycarbonate plastic filters which will
protect eyesight against the low-energy lasers most likely
encountered on today's battlefield, specifically the two or
three wave lengths used by common range finders and target
designators based on Nd:YAG and ruby lasers. They will not
give protection against frequency-agile low energy laser
weapons .
Antilethal, Laser Protection-Smoke. Smoke's attenuative
properties allow it to serve as a passive defense against
blinding laser weaponry. Large-area smoke generation may
provide a means to offer continuous protection for forward
elements of U.S. combat forces .
Antilethal, Low Energy Laser. An Air Force project, known as
Have Glance, in which a pod-mounted, low energy laser would
be mounted on an aircraft to confuse the heat-seeking
function of infrared missiles .
Antilethal, RPG Barrier. See Barrier, Fence-RPG .
Antilethal, Sensor-Acoustic. Remote acoustic sensors placed
in an area overwatch position in urban zones to detect and
locate gunfire within that area .
Antilethal, Sensor-Facial Recognition Technology.
Experimental information systems which recognize human facial
features and compare them to databases of wanted suspects.
Great potential for apprehending terrorists in airport
terminals and criminals in large crowds. More advanced
subdermal systems will be required as a follow-on to these
systems as a counter to criminals/non-state soldiers who
surgically alter their facial features .
Antilethal, Sensor-Ground Penetrating Radar. Sensor that can
detect nongeologic objects and human engineered structures
beneath the ground by analyzing the return of electromagnetic
waves traveling through geologic structures. Detection of
buried mines and discovery/mapping of underground bunkers
represent practical, nonlethal applications .
Antilethal, Sensor-Nonimaging Portable Radar. A radar unit
which weighs less than 10 pounds, uses rechargeable
batteries, is small enough to fit into a briefcase and will
detect motion through nonmetallic walls and floors. Using
sounds instead of images, it detects motion and can transmit
to a receiver up to a distance of 200 feet .
Antilethal, Sensor-Retroreflectivity. A theory based on the
reflection of light. Common example is seeing an animal's
eyes at night in your headlights. Allows for an
electro-optical sensing mode that can be used to find
opposing electroptics looking into the night for location and
targeting purposes.
Antilethal, Smart Gun. A gun which can only be used by the
proper user or users. Identification is automatic and would
be carried out by radio frequency signals or other
technologies .
Antilethal, Smart Metals. See Markers, Smart Metals
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Antilethal, White Light Goggles. Experimental goggles which
"gate out" bright white light so that the user will not be
affected by them along with the targets .
D. Antiplant Agents
Antiplant Agent. Compounds used to destroy plants or crops
function in one of two general ways. Growth regulators and
desiccants kill or defoliate by stimulating the leaf fall
process (growth regulator) or by drying the leaf blade
(desiccant). The other category, soil sterilizers,
contaminate the soil, preventing or retarding growth. Uses of
antiplant agents include destruction of crops and foliant
removal to deny/degrade camouflage .
Antiplant Agent Blue. Fast acting antiplant desiccant
containing sodium dimethyl. The desiccant, unlike anti-plant
growth regulators, works by drying the leaf blade of the
plant rather than simulating the plant's leaf fall process .
Antiplant Agent, Defoliants. Any of a variety of chemical
compounds that either stimulate the leaf fall process, dry
the leaf blade or sterilize the soil .
Antiplant Agent, Operation Ranch Hand. A defoliation program
conducted during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1970. The
primary purpose of the operation was to deny cover to enemy
forces, thereby making ambushes more difficult. Crop
destruction missions were also conducted in northern and
eastern central areas of South Vietnam .
Antiplant Agent Orange. Antiplant growth regulator containing
n-butyl esters of dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and
trichlorophenoyacetic acid. Publicized for its use in
Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam War from 1962-1970 .
Antiplant Agent Purple. Growth regulator similar to Agent
Orange but contains, in addition, the isobutyl ester of
trichlorophenoxyacetic acid .
Antiplant Agent White. Antiplant growth regulator composed of
a mixture of tri-iso-propanolanime salt of
dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram in water .
E. Barriers
Barrier, Air Bag, Backseat. An automobile airbag designed to
hold in place a suspect placed in a police car. Designed
because of the frequency of violent behavior once suspects
have been handcuffed and placed in a police car for
transport.
Barrier, Air Bag Mine. A nonlethal vehicular mine based on a
type of air bag .
Barrier, Caltrops. A personnel and vehicular barrier device
with four projecting spikes so arranged that when three of
the spikes are on the ground, the fourth points upward. The
term caltrop is derived from an English water chestnut which
was used to impede the mobility of heavy cavalry during the
Middle Ages. Caltrops were used in Somalia by the Marines
during United Shield to supplement key barrier systems at
night during the final hours of the withdrawal .
Barrier, Coating-Slick. Teflon-type lubricants which create a
slippery surface because of their chemical properties. These
chemical agents reduce friction with the intent to inhibit
the free movement of the target. In the 1960s the term
"Instant Banana Peel" was coined to describe the capability
provided by Riotril. When applied to a hard surface and
wetted down, this dry, relatively-inexpensive, non-toxic,
non-corrosive white powder becomes ice slick. It becomes
virtually impossible for an individual to move or stand up on
a hard surface so treated. Tire-type vehicles are also unable
to get traction. Riotril, if allowed to dry, can easily be
peeled away or, because of its water-soluble nature, can also
be hosed away with high-pressure streams . Also known as
low-friction polymers, slick'ems,' and superlubricants.
Barrier, Coating-Sticky. Polymer adhesives used to bond down
equipment and human targets. Also known as stick'ems' and
superadhesives .
Barrier, Electronic. See Antilethal, Electronic-Shell
Detonator.
Barrier, Emulsifier. Agents, contained in a mixture of
mutually insoluble liquids, which were dispersed over the Ho
Chi Minh trail to degrade the logistical lifeline of Viet
Cong forces during the Vietnam War. Used in tandem with
clouding seeding. Also known as soil destabilizers .
Barrier, Fence-Electrical. See Electrical, Fence
<nlt-usaf.html>.
Barrier, Fence-RPG. Conventional fencing, usually 6 ft high,
with barbed wire on top. While the anti-mobility utility of
such fencing is apparent it also had an anti-lethal
capability. In Vietnam this fencing was erected as a rocket
propelled grenade (RPG) screen in front of armored fighting
positions and around command vehicles. RPGs which hit this
screen either had their fusing systems disabled (RPG7's) or
prematurely detonated (RPG2's). Also known as cyclone fencing
.
Barrier, Foam-Aqueous. Originally derived from a fire
fighting compound used to put out airplane fires. Barrier
foam is a derivative which is thicker in consistency. This
technology employs a safe, biodegradable form of suds which
can be piled up to as high as four feet. Barrier foam can be
applied over fences, concertina wire, ditches to be seeded
with caltrops (a four pointed device designed to puncture
tires) to prevent vehicular passage. By applying the foam
over obstacles, it impedes the ability to defeat them.
Barrier foam, as its name implies, is used to deny entry or
passage. The conceptual origins of this foam date back to
1965 .
Barrier, Foam-Aqueous, Generator. Concept involves blowing
air through nylon net kept wet with mixture which creates
aqueous foam .
Barrier, Foam-Aqueous Riot Control Agent. The ordinary suds
of barrier foam can be enhanced with the addition of
substances such as oleoresin capsicum, the primary ingredient
in "pepper spray," or CS .
Barrier, Foam-Sticky. A name given to a polymer-based
superadhesive agent. The technology first began appearing in
commercial applications such as "super glue" and quick
setting foam insulation. It is extremely persistent and is
virtually impossible to remove without a liquid solvent which
has a pleasant citrus odor. The solvent can be applied as a
spray or poured on. The foam then appears to dissipate,
releasing its hold and allowing suspects to be arrested and
safely transported. Sticky foam came to public attention on
February 28, 1995 when U.S. Marines used it in Mogadishu,
Somalia, to prevent armed intruders from impeding efforts to
extricate United Nation forces from that county .
Barrier, Foam-Sticky, Dispenser. An interior barrier system,
operated by either intruder penetration or command, which
administers a sticky-foam barrier in a passageway from floor
to ceiling.
Barrier, Rope, Launcher. Nylon rope dispersed by a compressed
air launcher using mounted on a truck. Thirty cubic feet per
minute .
Barrier, Smoke-Antilaser. See Antilethal, Laser
Protection-Smoke .
Barrier, Smoke-Cold. A thick, disorienting "cold smoke" which
can be generated in areas from 2,000 to 50,000 cubic feet. It
restricts an intruders eye-hand coordination and interactions
among members of an intruding group .
Barrier, Spike. An angle-cut metal rod driven into an
unsurfaced road's wheel pit. A 1/2 inch diameter rod,
protruding only about 3 inches, is blunt enough so as to not
penetrate a shoe sole under a person's weight, yet a heavy
vehicle will drive it through a tire .
Barrier, Spiked Strip. Flat strip resembling a fire hose with
retractable hollow spikes designed to flatten the tires of a
target automobile. When the strip is activated, hollow spikes
extend vertically and puncture the tires as the vehicle rolls
over the strip. Also known as road spikes .
Barrier, Stakes. A sharp stake, often of wood or bamboo, that
is concealed in high grass, deep mud or pits. It is often
coated with excrement, and intended to wound and infect the
feet of enemy soldiers. Can be utilized both as a booby trap
and as a barrier. Commonly known as punji stick or punji
stakes.
Barrier, Wire/Tape-Barbed, Launcher. Dispensing systems for
flat barbed tape and barbed wire which could be quickly
deployed into concertina form .
F. Batons
Baton, Biotechnical-Injector. A baton with an automatic
self-injecting syringe for administering the antidote to
nerve gas built into it's tip and filled with calmatives or
other biotechnical agents .
Baton, Breakaway. A baton made of a substance that will break
if used incorrectly .
Baton, Electrical. Standard dimension baton which delivers an
electric charge of low voltage, powered by standard
flash-light cells . Also known as stun baton or shok baton.
Baton, Expandable. Measures 6" to 7" in closed position. The
three telescopic sections rapidly flick open to an extended
16" to 18". Also known as extensible billyclub .
Baton, Riot Control Agent. 12-26" plastic baton which is able
to project riot control agents .
Baton, Side-Handle. A baton with a side-handle attachment
which allows it to be twirled for greater impact and used
more effectively to block an opponent's blows.
Baton, Straight. Wooden, plastic, metallic rod from 12" to
36" used as a swung impact weapon. Can either hang from a
leather throng or be held in a holster. Smaller version, 6"
to 8." Also known as nightstick or billyclub.
Baton, Straight, Flashlight. Heavy shock resistant flash
light which can be swung like a baton.
Baton, Straight, Flashlight-Riot Control Agent. Shock
resistance polyethylene flash light. Besides providing a
light source, this flashlight can be used as a baton and to
project a riot control agent .
Baton, Two-Handed Riot. The 36 in. long riot baton is
employed like a rifle and bayonet-- overhead blows could be
fatal. Short, one-handed batons are not appropriate for
close-quarter riot actions .
G. Biotechnicals
Biotechnical, Behavior-Altering Drugs. See Biotechnical,
Calmatives . Suggested delivery in a gaseous form for
terrorist and hostage situations in 1987 .
Biotechnical, Biodegrading Microbes. Microbes which turn
storage tanks full of aviation fuel into useless jelly. Such
microbes may produce acids or enzymes which can be tailored
to degrade almost anything, even concrete and metal, so their
potential use as nonlethal weapons could be extensive .
Biotechnical, Calmatives. Biotechnical agents which are
sedatives or sleep-inducing drugs; includes alfentinil,
fentanyls, ketamine and BZ. Several of them make ideal
choices for this application when mixed with dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO), which promotes absorption through skin to
quickly sedate persons contacted. DMSO introduces the
calmative agent into the bloodstream by increasing the
epidermal absorption rate by about 1,000 percent. The
explosion of a flash bang (sometimes called a diversionary
device) represents one method of dispersing DMSO and a
calmative agent. Calmatives were reportedly used by the
Soviets against the Mujahideen in Afghanistan . Also known as
sleep agents.
Biotechnical, Disease Organisms. Nonfatal diseases targeted
toward troops and civilians. Such viral agents were developed
by Iraq to be used against Western forces during the Gulf War
so as to create long term disabling injuries. Agents being
considered for use were those that cause hemorrhagic
conjunctivitis, chronic diarrhea, yellow fever and Crimean
Congo hemorrhagic fever .
Biotechnical, DM. Diphenylaminechloroarsine. A sickening
agent no longer in use by the military because of health
risks. Probably ruled out of use in Vietnam by October, 1965.
Effects include sneezing, shortness of breath, retching and
vomiting, hemorrhaging, and possible death. Mixed with CN for
immediate effect .
Biotechnical, Genetic Alteration. The act of changing genetic
code to create a desired less-than-lethal but longterm
disablement effect, perhaps for generations, thereby creating
a societal burden.
Biotechnical, Hypodermic Syringe-Dart. Modified shotgun or
handgun in which the projectile is a drug-filled syringe
activated by a small charge on impact. Wide variety of drugs
available including emetic (vomiting) agents .
Biotechnical, Injector-Baton. See Baton, Biotechnology-
Injector <nlt-usaf.html>.
Biotechnical, Malodorous Agents. Foul-smelling gases and
sprays such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) or a compound known as
NaS8 which is used in making plastics. Could be delivered by
a grenade. Past work on "cultural specific" agents has also
been undertaken . See also Biotechnical, Project Agile .
Biotechnical, Neuro-Implant. Computer implants into the brain
which allow for behavioral modification and control. Current
research is experimental in nature and focuses on lab animals
such as mice .
Biotechnical, Pheromones. The chemical substances released by
animals to influence physiology or behavior of other members
of the same species. One use of pheromones, at the most
elemental level, could be to mark target individuals and then
release bees to attack them. This would result in forcing
them to exit an area or abandon resistance .
Biotechnical, Project Agile. Series of military science
studies in Asia conducted by Battele Memorial Institute in
May 1966 for Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). One
such study centered on developing 'stink' bombs which were
race specific .
Biotechnical, Wetware. Advanced technology devices which are
surgically implanted into the body rather than worn. These
devices can be used to enhance memory and the human senses,
modify behavior or to locate allied troops. Pacemakers
represent an early form of wetware. New concept developed in
this document.
H. Electricals
Electrical, Armored Personnel Carrier. Standard armored
personnel carrier fitted with a gate-like apparatus in the
front and charged to a high voltage. Used by West German
police to clear streets or round up small groups of people .
Electrical, Baton. See Baton, Electrical.
Electrical, Fence. A fence which delivers a nonlethal
electrical shock. It can be employed as an effective barrier
against intruders .
Electrical, Flashlight. A type of flashlight designed with
electrodes on the base. Effective range is minimal .
Electrical, Glove. A glove with an electric impulse generator
in the palm and the bottom sides of the glove fingers. A
close-in device similar to the electric stun gun and the
electric flashlight .
Electrical, High-Voltage Telsa Coil. Passed from public scene
because of their indiscriminate use against blacks in several
Southern states in the mid-1960s. Example, electric baton or
electric cattle prod .
Electrical, Homemade Body Armor. Newspapers and magazines
stuffed down inmates' clothing and/or the use of mattresses
as shields to counter the effects of stun guns .
Electrical, Police Jacket. Police jacket which jolts anyone
who touches it .
Electrical, Projector. An advanced version of the standoff
stun gun, where no wires are required. The charges are
delivered through the air through pre-ionized air channels or
by charging a low energy projectile which releases the charge
at impact. Another approach is to launch a low energy
projectile that releases the electrical charge at impact by
compressing a piezo-electric element .
Electrical, Stun Belt. A command activated belt worn by
prisoners which delivers a mild electric shock when they
become combative .
Electrical, Stun Gun-Close In. A small, two-pronged, hand
held electrical discharge weapon. Effective range is less
than an arm length. It works by affecting the muscle signal
paths, disturbing the nerve system .
Electrical, Stun Gun-Standoff. A form of stun gun with a
range of 20 feet. It fires small, barbed electrical
contactors, via a fine trailing wire, which snare a victim's
clothing. A 3-4 second lapse takes place before the target is
subdued. The development of this device was inspired by the
Watts Riots in 1965 .
Electrical, Water Stream. A mobile unit projects a water
stream charged with high voltage, low amperage. Another
method cites 2 water jets, 1 negatively charged and 1
positively charged, which meet to close the circuit .
I. Electromagnetics
Electromagnetic, Engine Kill. The use of high-powered
microwaves to kill the electrical system of an engine.
Electromagnetic, High Power Microwave [HPM], Weapons. Energy
generated by a conventional electromagnetic apparatus, such
as a radar transmitter, or released from a conventional
explosion converted into a radio-frequency weapon which
causes the disruption of electronic systems. Usually an
ultra-wide ban source focus due to target vulnerability
considerations. HPMs can also cause human unconsciousness
without permanent maiming by upsetting the neural pathways in
the brain and/or death .
Electromagnetic, Interference (EMI). Flight control systems
of military aircraft are sensitive to electromagnetic
interference (EMI). It is suspected that several crashes of
Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters may have resulted when they
flew too near large microwave transmitters .
Electromagnetic, MASER. Microwave Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. A microwave generation device.
Electromagnetic Pulse, Non-Nuclear [NNEMP], Weapons.
Non-nuclear EMP generating weapons mounted on cruise missiles
or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which would disable enemy
tanks and early warning radars would be invaluable. Such
weapons when they explode would produce a momentary burst of
microwaves powerful enough to disable all but special,
radiation-hardened electronic devices .
Electromagnetic, Radio Frequency [RF], Weapons. A class of
weapons which transmit short, high-powered pulses of
electromagnetic radiation over significant ranges .
Electromagnetic, Rocket-Powered Unit. Unmanned
miniature-wheeled vehicle launched by a police cruiser which
delivers an electromagnetic energy pulse to the underside of
a fleeing car's engine controls and associated sensors to
disable it .
Electromagnetic, Static Unit. See Electromagnetic,
Rocket-Powered Unit above. Static version resembling a
pancake shaped bump in the road. Remote control or unmanned
automatic control .
Electromagnetic, Thermal Gun. A device that directs energy to
produce heat, in concept similar to a microwave oven .
J. Entanglers
Entangler, Animal "Come-Along." A pole with a looped wire
attached to one end. When the wire is placed around the neck
of a subject and then tightened it produces a choking effect
much in the same manner as that of a choking collar used for
dogs.
Entangler, Bola. Device consisting of two or three heavy
balls attached by one or two ropes/cords and used for
entanglement purposes. It is twirled overhead in one hand and
hurled or cast at the intended target. Designed to entangle
legs to retard/stop movement. Probably an ancient weapon, but
made famous by the gauchos of South America, who used them to
catch cattle and ostrich.
Entangler, Cloggers. Polymer agents, sticky-soft plastics,
used in burst munitions to clog up jet and tank engine
intakes .
Entangler, Cloggers-Colored. Clogging agents when mixed with
dyes result in "tinted clouds" whose presence let friendly
forces know not to enter them .
Entangler, Cloggers-Colored, Mine-Air. Cloggers mixed with
colored gas which designate an air mine to allied pilots or
drones. These air mines can be intermixed with "decoy mines"
consisting solely of colored gas and laid in air mine fields
to restrict aerial mobility .
Entangler, Monofilament Fishing Line. When spread out on
snow, monofilament fishing line may be sucked into a
snowmobile's track mechanism and cause it to jam.
Effectiveness unconfirmed .
Entangler, Net-Electrified. A net shot from a gun at a
targeted individual. Will release an electric shock if the
target tries to struggle .
Entangler, Net, Gun. Fires a net which entangles a human or
vehicular target. One such net is 18 feet wide and employs
glue-coated strands. Another is 28-foot-wide, fired from a
cannon and can envelope a car or armored vehicle .
Entangler, Net, Mine-Human. Mine detonation fires a net into
the air which lands upon a soldier target.
Entangler, Net, Mine-Vehicular. A device laid across a road
which shoots a fabric barrier up about to 2 meters to ensnare
an oncoming vehicle .
Entangler, Net-Poles. A capture device based on a pair of 6
foot nylon poles that have a strong chain interlaced between
them. It is employed by two people who capture the target in
the chain mesh between the poles .
Entangler, Riot Gloves. Heavy protective gloves used by
prison guards and riot police which protect the hands and
forearms from cuts and blunt trauma. These gloves allow for
the grappling of prisoners and rioters.
K. Holograms
Hologram, Death. Hologram used to scare a target individual
to death. Example, a drug lord with a weak heart sees the
ghost of his dead rival appearing at his bedside and dies of
fright .
Hologram, Prophet. The projection of the image of an ancient
god over an enemy capitol whose public communications have
been seized and used against it in a massive psychological
operation.
Hologram, Soldiers-Forces. The projection of soldier-force
images which make an opponent think more allied forces exist
than actually do, make an opponent believe that allied forces
are located in a region where none actually exist, and/or
provide false targets for his weapons to fire upon. New
concept developed in this document.
L. Markers
Marker, Foam Dye. Hand held device which is used to spray
green foaming dye into the face of an opponent. Obscures
vision and marks the target for one week for future
identification.
Marker, Invisible. One concept envisions a fluorescent powder
sprayed into crowds from pressurized container. Particles
adhere to clothing and are only visible under ultraviolet
light. Another concept envisions sponge grenades impregnated
with infrared dye so that rioters can be later identified .
Marker, Laser Paint. A laser dye and scatterer suspended in a
host medium. When irradiated with a laser beam, this "laser
paint" exhibits laser-like properties, becoming a brilliant
light source, without being a collimated beam .
Marker, Paint Gun. Gelatin capsule containing a marking agent
which splatters on impact leaving a 3" circle and streamers
from 12" to 18" .
Marker, Smart Metals. Metals formed with chemical additives
or blended in a particular form so that they would function
only when used for legitimate purposes or give off telltales
signs to inspectors when used improperly .
Marker, Smoke Dyes. Marking dye added to smoke during crowd
control situations .
M. Obscurants
Obscurant, Agents. Rapid-hardening agents used to obscure the
vision ports/optics of an armored fighting vehicle .
Obscurant, Crazing. Higher powered low energy laser weapons
have the capability of heating and distorting or cracking the
glass lenses of optical systems. This effect is called
crazing and is caused when the heat buildup and subsequent
cooling in the glass surface creates uneven stresses in the
glass surface to crack it. The result is a frosted effect,
making it impossible to see through the glass lenses or
vision blocks (glass windows) in tanks. Such targets may be
effected at long ranges, and the optics can be crazed in less
time than is needed to blink an eye.
Obscurant, Laser-Argon Beam. An Argon laser aimed at windows,
automobile windshields or airplane canopies for vision denial
purposes. Microabrasions in the glass scatter this particular
wavelength of light turning the entire sheet a glaring,
opaque green. As a result, a sniper could not see through a
window or a suicide driver would not be able to look out
through the windshield of the truck laden with explosives
that he was driving .
Obscurant, Myopia. The inability of the human eye to focus
light from infinity accurately, which, in practical terms,
means beyond approximately 20 feet. If induced through
nerve/chemical agents, performance degradation could be
dramatic, especially in aviation operations, because studies
indicate that as much as 85% of pilot sensory perception/
performance is through sight. Nerve gas can induce myopia .
Obscurant, Smoke-Colored. Colored smoke concentrations
produce greater initial psychological and panic effect than
white smoke. Caucasians are said to have a greater repugnance
to brilliant green smoke, which is associated with
disagreeable personal experiences such as seasickness, bile
and vomit. Negroids and Latins are declared to be most
adversely affected by brilliant red. Rioters confronted with
a strong concentration of colored smoke feel, instinctively,
that they are being marked, or stained, and thus they lose
anonymity .
Obscurant, Smoke-White. White obscuring smoke delivered by
grenades or smoke pots. Relatively inexpensive, non-toxic,
noncontaminating and tactically ideal for police use.
Obscuring smokes are temporarily irritating to the nose and
throat, and cause those affected to lose visibility, sense of
purpose and direction .
N. Opticals
Optical, Add-On Combat Assault Weapon. The use of a low
energy laser weapon as a compliment to the main armament of a
tank or infantry fighting vehicle or as a compliment to a
antitank missile system .
Optical, Bucha Effect. High intensity strobe lights which
flash at near human brain wave frequency causing vertigo,
disorientation, and vomiting . See also Optical, Stroboscopic
Device.
Optical, Cameo Bluejay. A 75 pound version of the AN/VLO-7
Stingray designed for use by the Apache attack helicopter .
Optical, C-CLAW. The Close-Combat Laser Assault Weapon, code
named "Roadrunner," was an early 1980s Army tactical laser
proto-type which was designed to attack the optics of
opposing armored fighting vehicles. The program was canceled
in 1984 as a result of adverse publicity over human blinding
issues and cost/weight requirements .
Optical, Cobra. Prototype of the AN/PLQ-5 Laser
Countermeasures System. A 30-pound hand-held laser weapon
used to damage enemy sensors and human eyes. Because this
device may operate on three-different wave lengths it may be
impossible to be currently defended against .
Optical, Cornet Prince. Air Force version of the AN/VLO-7
Stingray. It is a pod mounted system which is intended to
protect an aircraft from enemy air defense weapons which are
dependent on optics and electro-optics for their effect.
Cornet Prince has a detection system which notifies an air
crew if it is under attack or if attack is imminent so that
it can take the proper counter-measures .
Optical, Crazing. See Obscurant, Crazing .
Optical, Dazer. Battery-operated 20,000 candlepower
"flashlight." It uses an alexandrite laser and is meant to
provide infantry with a nonlethal capability against armored
targets by attacking sensors, night vision devices and
personnel. The shoulder-fired Dazer weighs about 20 pounds
and is submachine gun size .
Optical, Dazzle. A class of optical weapons that emit
extremely bright light causing temporary blindness.
Optical, Dazzle Rifle. A rifle which emits an eye-safe
argon-ion laser beam designed to disorient the target .
Optical, Demons. Term for directed-energy munitions .
Optical, Electro-Optical Countermeasures System. AN/VLO-7,
Stingray. A laser designed to blind the optics and
electro-optics of enemy tanks and armored fighting vehicles.
Two test versions were deployed in the Gulf War by the Army
but not used. This device weighs about 160 kilograms. It can
be mounted on both the M1 Abrams tank and the Bradley
infantry fighting vehicle . See also Antilethal,
Sensor-Retroreflectivity.
Optical, Flares. Both directional and omnidirectional flares
can be used against personnel and materiel to obscure vision.

Optical Flash. A 40-mm artillery shell filled with plastic
dye laser rods. Used to blind electro-optic sensors and enemy
personnel .
Optical, High Intensity Lights. High intensity
hydrogen-chloride light on a reflector equipped hand-held
candle holder .
Optical, Illuminating-Grenade. In night ambushes in Vietnam
the MK1 Illuminating Grenade, which produced 55,000
candlepower for 25 seconds, effectively blinded Viet Cong
caught in the center of its illumination zone for short
periods of time.
Optical, Isotropic Radiators. Special munitions that
illuminate or bloom with laser-bright intensity causing the
same retinal or optical damage as LEL (low energy laser)
weapons. Isotropic radiation is generated by an explosive
burst that superheats a gaseous plasma surrounding it,
causing a laser-bright flash .
Optical, Laser. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation.
Optical, Laser-Argon Beam. See Obscurant, Laser-Argon Beam .
Optical, Laser-Anti-Oil Storage Tank. Man-portable laser
system with a back-pack power supply designed for use against
storage tanks in the Gulf War. Use debated .
Optical, Laser Countermeasures System [LCMS]. AN/PLQ-5. M-16
rifle-mounted and backpack-powered 42 pound system. Can
detect and disrupt optical and electro-optical targeting
systems at "stand-off ranges." While not specifically
intended to harm human eyes, the system was canceled so U.S.
troops would not be subjected to war crimes concerns .
Optical, Laser Dazzle System [LDS]. U.K. Royal Navy's low
energy laser system deployed during the 1982 Falklands war by
two of its frigates .
Optical, Laser-Infrared CO2. Laser which can heat the skin of
a target to cause pain but will not burn the skin.
Application against the hand of a suspect holding a knife or
gun to a hostage .
Optical, Light Flashing Devices. Devices which are much like
a photographer's flash bulb but at a greatly increased power.
They are used to disorient target individuals by causing
temporary flash blindness .
Optical, Low Energy Laser-Antilethal. See Antilethal, Low
Energy Laser.
Optical, Low Energy Laser-Eye Safe. A continuous wave laser,
mounted on a M-16/M-203 rifle, that produces a high-intensity
glare strong enough to temporarily delay and disorient an
adversary so that he can't complete a mental task, like
cutting a fence or walking on rough terrain. Effective range
of several hundred meters. Laser powered by 6 rechargeable AA
size batteries .
Optical, Mobile Test Unit. Mid-1970s Army tactical laser
concept utilizing a medium powdered laser mounted on a Marine
Corps armored personnel carrier called the Mobile Test Unit.
Used to shoot down some helicopter drones .
Optical Munitions. A class of non-lethal weapons which rely
upon either a multi-directional or uni-directional intense
burst of light [isotropic radiator (laser)] generated by the
high-explosive shock heating of an inert gas .
Optical, Stroboscopic Device. Devices employed against
demonstrators which cause stroboscopic flashing. Same
principle as a discotheque "strobe." In the 5-15 hertz range
these devices can cause various physical symptoms and in a
small portion of the population may trigger epileptic
seizures .
O. Projectiles
Projectile, Bag-Bean. Fabric sacks filled with lead shot
(usually No. 9) weighing from 40 to 150 grams, designed to be
fired from 12 gauge shotguns and 37mm (40mm) launchers. The
bags conform to the shape of the target on impact, producing
less damage than a solid hard projectile. The bags are rolled
in the cartridge and unroll after exiting the launch barrel.
These projectiles are designed for direct impact on the
target, therefore accuracy is important to ensure effective
impacts. The level of energy delivered ranges from 40 to
100-foot pounds, depending on the distance the projectile has
to travel. Also known as Flying Bean Bag or Shot Bag.
Projectile, Bag-Bean-Rubberized, Gun. A prison gun which
utilizes rubberized bean bag projectiles. Used for movement
of cell blocks and surprise advances .
Projectile, Bag-Stun. Early form of nonlethal projectile
composed of a 5 1/4 ounce canvas pouch filled with metal
buckshot which spread into a 3-inch diameter pancake in
flight. Known to cause serious injury .
Projectile, Bag-Stun, Launcher. An obsolete gun which
delivered a cartridge containing a 4" diameter stun-bag
loaded with 1/5 to 1/2 lb. of shot. It could be used as
handgun or with an extension as a shotgun. It has been
replaced by the 12 gauge shotgun and the 37 (and 40) mm
launchers . Also known as the stun gun.
Projectile, Ball-Rubber, Grenade. An explosive anti-riot
device which hurtles a large number of small "stinging"
rubber balls at rioters when ignited. May or may not contain
riot control agents . Also known as stingball or stinger
grenade.
Projectile, Ball-Rubber, Round. The common usage of this term
now refers to a number of 5/8 in. rubber balls fired from a
12 ga. shotgun. The 3/8 in. ball is also common. Both have a
hardness of about 50 shore. These rounds have maximum effect
when fired in confined spaces, where multiple bounces augment
the number of impacts on the target with sufficient force to
sting rather than hurt. The eyes are the most at risk of
damage, due to the small size and velocity of the balls. The
older use of this term refers to a rubber ball fitted with a
"Blake" attachment to a shotgun. The ball can be solid or
filled with liquid or gas. Various designs existed for point
or area targets .
Projectile, Barricade Penetrating. Any projectile which
delivers a riot control agent into a barricade situation via
a window or plate-glass. One such projectile is a fin
stabilized injection-molded plastic device which disperses a
highly-volatile liquid CS agent.
Projectile, Baton-Plastic. A PVC cylinder 1/2 inches in
diameter and 4 inches long. Instead of being bounced off of
the ground these rounds are directly fired at the intended
target. Causes a bruising impact blow with a claimed
effective range of 30 to 65 yards. At point blank range this
round can be fatal. First used by the British Army in
Northern Ireland in February of 1973 as a replacement for
rubber bullets . Also known as riot baton round, plastic
bullets or PVC bullets.
Projectile, Baton-Rubber. Pliable rubber cylindrical
projectiles delivered from the riot gun or British Army
signal gun. Aimed at crowd's legs or at the ground for
ricochet effect into a crowd . Also known as rubber baton or
rubber bullet 6-inch.
Projectile, Baton-Wooden. Wooden cylinder delivered by a riot
gun or by a British Army signal gun . Also known as
broomstick round.
Projectile, Baton-Wooden Multiple. A 37-38mm round which
disperses 5 wooden pellets which can be fired from a distance
or ricocheted into the mob. Direct fire at close or point
blank range can cause serious or fatal injuries .
Projectile, Baton-Wooden Whistling. A short fluted cylinder
made of wood and fired at low-velocity for crowd dispersal.
This round makes a whistling sound when fired. Whistling
sound and visibility of round valued over kinetic impact.
Fired by a Hong Kong Pellet Gun .
Projectile, Chaff-Ceramic. Dropped or fired in front of an
aircraft which when ingested by a jet engine will destroy its
turbine blades and other mechanisms .
Projectile, Gas Vortex. If a gas vortex, a highly stable
phenomenon, was projected at some velocity, the difference in
pressure on the leading and trailing edges would produce an
impact. Potential use in crowd and riot control situations .
Projectile, Launcher-ARWEN. Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield. A
hand-held, cylinder fed, shoulder-launched 37mm anti-riot
weapon which is used to launch a variety of impact devices
such as bean bags, pellets, rubber and wooden baton rounds,
etc.
Projectile, Launcher-Blake Impact Gun. Aluminum alloy-type,
golf ball sized projectile fitted to a bolt-action shotgun .
Projectile, Launcher-Velocity Adjusting. Small arms weapon
with an adjustable muzzle velocity intended for delivery of
less-than-lethal munitions such as rubber or PVC bullets. The
purpose of the adjustment is to tailor the velocity to the
range .
Projectile, Launcher-Very Pistol. A 37mm pistol used to fire
tear gas and other nonlethal projectiles.
Projectile, Liquid Filled. Several types of hollow rubber
projectiles have been manufactured. The most recent, in a 12
ga. shotgun size, is filled with a liquid dye to mark the
target for subsequent identification, in addition to the
impact effect. The working range is from 5 to 75 feet. Older
types included a 3 inch diameter, .5 lb. rubber ball filled
with water, to be used as an impact projectile. The range was
75 ft. The launcher was large and heavy .
Projectile, Mine-Claymore. Modular Crowd Control Munition. A
nonlethal claymore-type mine which disperses blunt impact
ordnance for crowd control purposes .
Projectile, Muzzle Launch Ordnance [MLO]. MLO MA/RA 88
less-than-lethal shot for the M16A2 Rifle. Must disorient
targets at effective ranges of 30-70 meters, not create
shrapnel, and be of minimal hazard .
Projectile, Ricochet-Soft Plastic. Polyethylene pellets 1/16"
in diameter delivered from a standard 12-gauge shotgun aimed
to ricochet. Available in larger sizes .
Projectile, Ring Airfoil Grenade, Launcher. Launcher Adapter,
M234 Designed for attachment to M16A1 rifle. Uses blank
cartridge (M755) to propel either Soft Ring Airfoil Grenade
(M742) or Sting Ring Airfoil Grenade (M743).
Projectile, Ring Airfoil Grenade-Soft. Soft RAG, M742. A
rubberized donut shape with airfoil cross-section that is
launched spinning from M234 adapter attached to M16A1 rifle.
A series of cavities in the projectile body contain packets
of CS powder. Target impact opens the CS packets and
disseminates the chemical (powder). This system has been
replaced by the Non-Lethal 40mm Sponge Grenade.
Projectile, Ring Airfoil Grenade-Sting. Sting RAG, M742. A
rubberized donut shape with airfoil cross section that is
launched spinning from the M234 adapter attached to M16A1
rifle. Intended as an initial deterrent via kinetic energy
impact. Can also be used as a training round. This system has
been replaced by the Non-Lethal 40mm Sponge Grenade.
Projectile, Rock Salt. Large salt crystals fired from shot
guns. Crowd dispersal method.
Projectile, Rubber. These projectiles can be solid
(homogeneous) or clad (composite). Solid rubber projectiles
can be further classified by density, ranging from high
density (hard), to soft (foam). The shape of the homogeneous
projectiles varies from a right cylinder (35mm diameter by 3
inches long) to a cylinder with a hemispherical nose, to
short cylinders (35mm diameter by 1 1/2 inches
long-multi-projectiles, soft foam) to hard, finned shape
projectiles (12 gauge), and balls about 5/8 inch. The large
cylinders fired to strike the ground in front of the target
individuals, bouncing up to hit them. Depending on the
distance from the ground impact to the target, the impact
point can range from the knees to the head, producing
different results. Past experience with this method of firing
has shown that.
Projectile, Shards-Ceramic. Fired against aircraft to disable
their engines or to degrade their stealth capabilities .
Projectile, Splatt-Thixotropic. Special Purpose Low Lethality
Anti-Terrorist. Any projectile that deforms at impact,
without penetrating the body. One materiel preparation
designed to accomplish this action is described in the
patent. The whole projectile is made of this substance, not
just the tip. The older usage of this term referred to any
caliber shotgun shell with grease or soft putty on the tip
which would deform at impact .
Projectile, Sponge Grenade. 40mm nonlethal projectile
developed for the M203 grenade launcher made out of spongy
material. Can either be used as a kinetic weapon or with the
inclusion of a CS or marking dye wafer. Potentially fatal
within 25 meters or if an eye shot occurs. Successor to the
discontinued Soft/Sting Airfoil Grenade System.
Projectile, Water Stream. Mobile unit which projects a
continuing stream of water for riot control purposes .
Projectile, Water Stream-Electrical. See Electrical, Water
Stream.
P. Reactants
Reactant, Acetylene, Grenade. One pound bomb containing
calcium carbide and water. Upon detonation, forms a bubble of
acetylene gas seven feet in diameter. When sucked into the
air intake of a diesel at concentrations as little as one
percent, the gas would cause the fuel in each cylinder to
ignite prematurely, with enough force to break piston rods .
Reactant, Chemical Compounds. Chemical compounds which are
magnitudes more powerful than hydrofluoric acid. A mixture of
hydrochloric acid (HCI) and nitric acid (H2NO3) will dissolve
most noble metals, such as gold and platinum, and organic
compounds. Could be delivered by binary weapons to attack
structures, armored fighting vehicles, roads, roof tops and
optical systems . Also known as supercaustics, superacids,
supercorrisive bases, C+, and tire eaters.
Reactant, Cloud Seeding. Silver iodide dropped into clouds
over the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War in order to
promote additional rainfall which would degrade Viet Cong
logistics . See also Reactant, Operation Popeye
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Reactant, Combustion Alteration. This technology consists of
chemical additives that either contaminate or change the
viscosity characteristics of fuel to degrade standard engine
performance. The additives may be ingested as a vapor through
air intakes, mixed with fuel during the intake cycle or
applied directly to a fuel source causing almost instant
engine failure .
Reactant, Liquid Metal Embrittlement [LME]. Agents operate by
altering the molecular structure of base metals or alloys and
could significantly interfere with the operation of the
aircraft, vehicles, metal treads and bridge supports to which
they were applied. LMEs are clear and have little or no
perceptible residue, whether sprayed on or applied with
felt-tip markers. Some ambiguity exists because LMEs may
refer to both liquids and liquid metals .
Reactant, LME Graffiti. Graffiti used to mask an LME strike
against a bridge or other target. Great potential for
terrorist use. Example, phone call to law enforcement stating
that an LME strike has been conducted against one of a number
of bridges in a city using red LME graffiti.
Reactant, Operation Popeye. The cloud-seeding campaign
conducted by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. 2,602
Popeye flights were flown through 1972 in hopes of
interdicting the flow of Communists troops and supplies along
the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Reactant, Pyrophoric Particles. Particles which when ingested
in a combustion chamber give off heat and thus overheat the
chamber which causes thermal failure. Caesium would be one
likely candidate . Also known as polystyrene peanuts.
Q. Riot Control Agents
Riot Control Agent, Area Dispensers. RCA dispensers mounted
in the walls and ceilings of prison facilities. They provide
law enforcement personnel the ability to move groups out of
or from one area to another through CS and OC dispersement .
Riot Control Agent, CA. 4-Bromobenzylcyanide. CA was one of
the first tear agents used. It is not as effective as CN or
CS and is obsolete. CA produces a burning sensation of the
mucous membranes and severe irritation and tearing of the
eyes with acute pain in the forehead . Also known as BBC,
larmine, and camite.
Riot Control Agent, Chemical Mace. Small spray can containing
a 0.9 per cent solution of agent CN in a variety of petroleum
based carriers including a mixed freon/hydrocarbon solvent.
First introduced in 1966. CS-Mace then developed in 1968 by
suggestion of the U.S. Army .
Riot Control Agent, CN. Chloroacetophenone. A lacrimator that
causes irritation to the upper respiratory passages and may
cause irritations to the skin. On average, it incapacitates
for approximately 3 minutes. Discovered by the German chemist
Graeber in 1869. Replaced for most purposes by CS .
Riot Control Agent, CR. Dibenz-(b,f)-1,4-oxazepine. Newer
riot control irritant developed in England in 1962 by the
British chemists Higginbottom and Suchitzsky. About 5 times
more effective than CS. In addition, CR is much less toxic
than CS. CR is not used in its pure form (a yellow powder)
but dissolved in a solution of 80 parts of propylene glycol
and 20 parts of water to form a 0.1-percent CR solution. It
is used in solution as a riot control agent. Eye pain,
discomfort and excessive tearing occur with sometimes painful
sensitivity to strong light or temporary blindness. Symptoms
can persist for 15 to 30 minutes. Dubbed "fire gas" by the
media because of the burning sensation it caused to the skin
of rioters when used in Northern Ireland from 1973-1974.
Authorized U.S. Army use in 1974 .
Riot Control Agent, CS. Ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile was
made the standard riot control agent by the Army in 1959. The
term "CS" is derived from the two scientists, B.B. Carson and
R.W. Sloughton, who first prepared it in 1928. First used by
U.S. civilian law enforcement in 1968 during the riots in
Washington D.C. While an effective riot control agent, which
incapacitates on average from 5 to 10 minutes,
decontamination and cross-contamination is a considerable
problem in urban environments.
Riot Control Agent, CS1. Specially formulated to prolong
persistency and increase the effectiveness of CS. Unlike CS,
CS1 is a free-flowing (micropulverized) agent powder
consisting of 95-percent crystalline CS blended with
5-percent silica aerogel. This formulation reduces
agglomeration and achieves the desired respiratory effects
when dispersed as a solid aerosol .
Riot Control Agent, CS2. CS blended with silicone-treated
silica aerogel, which causes it to repel water. This
treatment improves the physical characteristics of CS by
reducing agglomeration and hydrolysis. This form of CS
prolongs the effectiveness for both immediate and surface
contamination effects. When disturbed, CS2 reaerosolizes to
cause respiratory and eye effects. A cloud of waterproofed CS
can be kicked up by people walking in the street or grass two
months after it has settled .
Riot Control Agent, CSX. A form of CS developed for
dissemination as a liquid rather than as a powder. One gram
of powdered CS is dissolved in 99 grams of trioctylphosphite
(TOF). As with CS, CSX stings and irritates the eyes, skin,
nose, throat, and lungs of exposed personnel.
Riot Control Agent, Disperser-Fogger. Conventional
insecticide blower adopted for CS and CN dispensing in
Vietnam. Produces a fog-type emission for up to a 15 minute
period. Conceptual basis was to fill Viet Cong tunnel
complexes with large amounts of the CS agent. Another fogger
was a handheld gasoline-operated device which dispenses
either CS, CN or inert fog at 0.7 gallon/hour . Also known as
mighty mite (M-106) and pepper fogger.
Riot Control Agent, Disperser-Liquid. An Army riot-control
agent disperser visually resembling a man-carried
flamethrower. Fully loaded weight is approx. 55 pounds.
Disperses CS mixed with a trioctylphosphate solvent. Also
known as liquid stream projector.
Riot Control Agent, Disperser-Powder. Modified Dry-Powder
Fire Extinguisher. Powdered CS and CN dispersal .
Riot Control Agent, Grenade Electrically Activated. A riot
control grenade with a male, electrically activated screw-in
socket connection in place of a standard fuse. This enables
the grenades to be incorporated into electrical systems, in
fixed installations, where they can be activated by a trip
device or switch, at will. This is of special importance in
security of buildings, and vital installations, providing a
dependable, economical protective system that can be locally
installed. This system, with variations, is now in use in
commercial security systems, as well as in U.S. government
and embassy installations .
Riot Control Agent, Grenade-M73A. Army riot control grenade
in use prior to the M47-Type CS Grenade. As of 1992, the M7A3
was still in use because of technical problems with the M47 .

Riot Control Agent, Grenade-M47 CS. Basic riot control
grenade employed by the Army. Its contents are expelled as a
vapor from a taped-over port in the grenade body, causing the
grenade to "skitter" around on the ground, making it
difficult for rioters to throw back. As of 1992, it has not
seen tactical action .
Riot Control Agent, Homemade Face Filters. Wet rags and other
devices made by prison inmates to counter the effects of riot
control agents .
Riot Control Agent, Lacrimator. A riot control irritant that
will cause blinding tears upon contact with the eyes . Also
see Riot Control Agent, CN .
Riot Control Agent, Launcher-Handy Andy. U.S. Army hand-hold
type throwaway munition consisting of an aluminum tube with a
hand-activated striker in the base. On ignition, the E24
propels a cylindrical rubber projectile containing 50 grams
of CS burning formulation to distances of 70-100 yards .
Riot Control Agent, Launcher-Riot Gun. A weapon designed
specifically to fire tear gas munitions of 37-mm diam. Also
known as 1 1/2-in gun, 38-mm gun, gas gun, and tear gas
launcher.
Riot Control Agent, Mine. An anti-personnel mine filled with
a riot control agent. For perimeter use around detention
camps or secured facilities.
Riot Control Agent, OC. Oleoresin Capsicum. A food product
obtained from chili peppers which are dried and ground into a
fine powder. When mixed with an emulsifier such as mineral,
vegetable, soy oil or water, it may be sprayed from a variety
of dispensers and used as an irritant for safely controlling
violent persons or vicious animals and/or restoration and
maintenance of order.
Riot Control Agent, Ring Airfoil Grenade-Soft. See
Projectile, Ring Airfoil Grenade-Soft.
Riot Control Agent, Sponge Grenade. See Projectile, Sponge
Grenade.
Riot Control Agent, Tear Gas-Invisible. Invisible tear-gas
clouds are produced by blast munitions loaded with dust or
liquid agents. Invisible tear gas cannot be seen by rioters
once it first emerges from a grenade or mechanical dispenser
and therefore produces a greater psychological
panic-producing effect than tear smoke .
Riot Control Agent, Tear Gas-Visible. Visible tear-gas clouds
(tear smoke) emanate from burning grenades and projectiles.
Tear smoke is highly visible and plainly indicates the area
covered to police and rioter alike.
II. Nonlethal Weapons Concepts
A. Ethical
Ethical, Biological Weapons Convention [BWC], 1972. This
convention prohibits the development, production, stockpiling
or retention of microbial or biological agents for use as
weapons. Would likely preclude the use of biodegrading
microbes .
Ethical, Blinding Laser Ban, 1995. The Department of Defense
prohibits the use of lasers specifically designed to cause
permanent blindness of unenhanced vision and supports
negotiations prohibiting the use of such weapons. However,
laser systems are absolutely vital to our modern military.
Among other things, they are currently used for detection,
targeting, range-finding, communications and target
destruction...accidental or incidental eye injuries may occur
on the battlefield as the result of the use of legitimate
laser systems. This prohibition was initiated by the United
States in concurrence with other, mostly Western, nations .
Ethical, Certain Conventional Weapons Convention, 1980.
Prohibits or restricts weapons which are deemed to be
excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects.
Microwave, radio-frequency radiation, and visible light
pulsing at brain-wave frequency may violate this convention.
Also known as Inhumane Weapons Convention.
Ethical, Chemical Weapons Convention [CWC], 1993. This
convention, while not in force, precludes the use of toxic
chemicals as a method of warfare. A toxic chemical is one
which 'though its chemical action on life processes can cause
death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm to humans
or animals.' How supercaustics would be interpreted within
this convention is unknown .
Ethical, Environmental Modification Techniques Ban, 1977.
Found in Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any
Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques
(ENMOD). Bans any technique for changing- through deliberate
manipulation of natural processes- the dynamics, composition
or structure of the Earth, including its biota, lithosphere,
hydrosphere and atmosphere, or of outer space which will have
widespread, long-lasting or severe effects as the means of
destruction, damage or injury to any other State Party .
Ethical, Geneva Protocol, 1925. Whereas the use in war of
asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of analogous
liquids, materials or devices, has been justly condemned by
the general opinion of the civilized world; and Whereas the
prohibition of such use has been declared in Treaties to
which the majority of Powers of the world are Parties; and To
the end that this prohibition shall be universally accepted
as part of International Law, binding alike the conscience
and the practice of nations. Extended to bacteriological
methods of warfare. The United States has interpreted the
Protocol of 1925 as not prohibiting the use of riot control
agents .
Ethical, New Martyrdom. A potential form of martyrdom arising
from the long-term incapacitation capacity that some
nonlethal weapons provide. Examples are permanently blinding
or disrupting the nervous systems of opposing soldiers. Those
living, rather than dead, would represent a new form of
martyr. References to the horrors of the gassings of the
First World War would undoubtedly be made .
Ethical, Tennessee vs. Garner. A 1985 court case (475 U.S. 1)
which held that the use of deadly force to apprehend an
apparently unarmed, nonviolent fleeing felon is unreasonable
seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Stimulated law
enforcement interest in less-than-lethal weapons.
B. Functional
Functional, Bouchon. The complete metal fuze assembly of a
diversionary device or similar grenade, usually consisting of
a safety pin, safety "spoon," and a percussion type ignition
device.
Functional, Deflagrate. To burn; consume; to burn rapidly
with intense heat and dazzling light.
Functional, Deflagrating Canister. A canister which is
designed to burst or burn. When used with a diversionary
device, this type of canister is designed to burst or burn at
a low enough pressure to prevent the bouchon from being
thrown.
Functional, Deflagrating Explosive. Any explosive which
deflagrates rather than detonates. Also called a "low"
explosive, it is characterized by relatively slow burning
processes with progressive reaction rates and buildup of
pressure which creates a heaving action.
Functional, Deployment Sequence. The first of three functions
when a diversionary device is deployed. It refers to the
manner and place in which a diversionary device is deployed.
See also Functional, Ignition Sequence and Functional, Firing
Sequence.
Functional, Detonate. To explode violently and noisily; also
called a "high" explosive it is characterized by very rapid
chemical reactions, thus causing tremendously high pressure
and brisance (shattering action).
Functional, Detonating Explosive. Any explosive which
detonates rather than deflagrates. Also called a "high"
explosive, it is characterized by very rapid chemical
reactions, thus causing tremendously high pressure and
brisance (shattering action).
Functional, Firing Sequence. The second of three functions
when a diversionary device is deployed. It refers to the
mechanical action of the bouchon, (fuze assembly). See also
Functional, Deployment Sequence and Functional, Ignition
Sequence.
Functional, Fuse. A narrow tube filled with combustible
material, or a wick saturated with such material, for setting
off an explosive charge. A pyrotechnic device which serves as
the initiator to an explosive charge (e.g. M-3A1, friction
type fuse).
Functional, Fuze. Any of various devices for detonating
bombs, projectiles, or explosive charges. A mechanical device
used as the initiator to an explosive charge (e.g. M-201A1,
percussion type fuze).
Functional, Hybrids. Weapons that can be switched from
"lethal" to "nonlethal" by a simple mechanism, having
multiple barrels, or using ammunition which can be switched
at launch (single barrel, lightened logistic chain) .
Functional, Ignition. Setting a thing on fire, to cause
something to burn.
Functional, Ignition Sequence. The third of three functions
when a diversionary device is deployed. It refers to the
events which take place during the burning of the charge. See
also Functional, Deployment Sequence and Functional, Firing
Sequence.
C. Operational
Operational, Brevity Code. A one or two word phrase which,
when transmitted on a radio, carries a much larger meaning.
Used to keep transmission time to a minimum without unduly
tying up valuable "air time." Usually repeated twice to
ensure understanding.
Operational, Denial System. Components of a security system
that prevent an intruder or adversary from completing an
intrusive hostile act on a fixed sight .
Operational, Dirty Battlefield. A battlefield operational
environment in which civilians and other noncombatants are
mixed in with combatants .
Operational, Environmental Warfare. A form of attack based on
purposeful environmental degradation by a state or non-state
group against an opponent. An early example would be the
salting of the fields of Carthage by the Romans. The most
recent example would be the blowing up of 732 oil wells in
Kuwait and the releasing of oil into the Persian Gulf by Iraq
in 1991.
Operational, Immediate Action Drill. Any action, technique or
procedure which is initiated by an event rather than a signal
.
Operational, Lethal-Nonlethal Coordination. A process by
which hardkill and softkill weapons are made to enhance the
effects of one another rather than degrade each others'
performance. Applied to the defensive systems of a warship .
Operational, Long Term Disablement. The outcome of the
application of nonlethal force that affects the opponent
beyond duration of the confrontation or conflict. Blinding,
maiming or psychologically deranging the opponent represent
forms of long term disablement. This form of disablement
burdens a society and is anathema to the Western definition
of nonlethality.
Operational, Mobile Security System. Area/fixed site denial
or delay systems that are portable, leveraging on nonlethal
technology and minimal installation costs .
Operational, Mobile Tactics. A procedure used against rioters
in which an anti-riot team is embarked on vehicles, rapidly
driven near rioters, whereupon they quickly disembark and
rush toward the crowd, followed by another team which repeats
the procedure and exploits the momentum gained by the
original team.
Operational, Nonlethal-Lethal Effect. A nonlethal attack
which purposefully sets up an opposing soldier or vehicle for
a fatal attack. Example, a soldier struck to the ground by a
stick'em' and then shot by a conventional round or killed by
an artillery barrage.
Operational, Nonlethal Weapons, Non-Western. Weapons which
are designed to cause long-term disablement to military
personnel and civilians. These weapons may be employed by
either non-state forces or non-Western nation-states. Forms
of nonlethal non-Western weapons include blinding lasers,
disease organisms, and genetic alteration .
Operational, Nonlethal Weapons, Western. Weapons that are
explicitly designed and primarily employed so as to
incapacitate personnel or materiel, while minimizing
fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and undesired
damage to property and the environment. Unlike conventional
lethal weapons that destroy their targets principally through
blast, penetration and fragmentation, non-lethal weapons
employ means other than gross physical destruction to prevent
the target from functioning. Non-lethal weapons are intended
to have one, or both, of the following characteristics: a.
they have relatively reversible effects on personnel or
materiel, b. they affect objects differently within their
area of influence .
Operational, Passive Deterrents. A genre of nonlethal weapons
that does not affect the physiology of the target individual.
Includes dyes, personal alarms, and scent sprays.
Operational, Rules of Engagement [ROEs]. Generally, rules
that provide implementation guidance on actions to exercise
1. the inherent right and obligation of self-defense and 2.
the application of force for mission accomplishment by
national/multinational military forces in international not
domestic situations. The many boundaries to ROE's include
international laws and treaties, national policy and custom.
Standing Rules of Engagement refer to those generally
intended for all situations, but tailored ROE's for specific
situations may augment those standing rules. This is a
general, not legal, description.
Operational, Second Order Effect. A nonlethal attack
ultimately resulting in an unintentional death. For example,
a pilot, blinded by a laser unable to safely land his or her
aircraft or a patient dies because the power to an incubator
or iron long in a hospital is cut off due to the destruction
of a power plant.
Operational, Short Term Disablement. A form of disablement
which has relatively reversible effects on personnel or
materiel .
Operational, Tailored Weaponry. Alternative, and likely more
accurate, term for nonlethal weaponry. Such weaponry is
qualitatively advanced over traditional firearms and
munitions because it allows for precision control over the
application of politico-military force. Rather than killing
(100% force) or not-killing (0% force) an opponent these
weapons offer new capabilities in the 1-99% range between no
action and lethal force.
D. Physiological
Physiological, Acetylcholine Effect. The temporary effect an
organism experiences after long periods of high stress,
characterized by a total emotional surrender. Derived from an
overabundance of the compound acetylcholine which is active
in the transmission of nerve impulses.
Physiological, Diversion. A diversion which acts directly on
a person by affecting one or more of the five senses.
Physiological, Impulse Noise. Noise which lasts less than one
second.
Physiological, Lag Time. The physiological time lag which
occurs between the time a stimulus is perceived until the
body responds. In a healthy, well-rested human, this takes
about three-quarters of a second.
Physiological, Rhodopsin. A purplish protein pigment,
contained in the rods of the retina, that is transformed by
the action of light and is necessary for vision in dim light.
Physiological, Sensory Overload. A temporary inability of an
organism to correctly interpret and appropriately respond to
life's stimuli because of the volume of input.
Physiological, Ulster Techniques. Psychophysiological
techniques employed by the British in Northern Ireland based
on sensory deprivation which can lead to long-lasting
post-traumatic neurosis. Methods used included hooding,
masking noise, wall standing, inadequate diet, sleep
deprivation and some physical brutality .
E. Theoretical
Theoretical, Environmental Security. The recognition that the
natural environment in which humans exist must be protected
for their continued benefit. Because of the magnitude of many
environmental problems, they require regional not national
level solutions.
Theoretical, Fourth Epoch War. Strategic level theory of war
utilizing an energy paradigm of Western civilization. The
magnitude of change forecast is equivalent in scale to the
Dark Ages, 378-732, and the European Renaissance, 1346-1648.
During these transformations a new energy source is
demonstrated on the battlefield, the dominant polity form
"fails," the non-state soldier achieves dominance on the
battlefield, crime and war blur, a new economy emerges,
social classes shift, and advanced forms of battlespace and
weaponry develop .
Theoretical, Fourth Generation Warfare. Operational level
theory of warfare which views military change based upon
advances in either technology or ideas. The emerging "idea
based" fourth generation is thought to be based on terrorism
and low intensity conflict.
Theoretical, MTR. A military technical revolution was
declared by the Soviets to be taking place back in the 1980s.
This revolution is based on emerging technologies, electronic
and information systems and non-nuclear deep strike
munitions, and will qualitatively alter the conduct of future
war. The MTR is the conceptual forerunner to the revolution
in military affairs (RMA) . See also Theoretical, RMA.
Theoretical, New Gunpowder Revolution. The perception that
the wide scale application of nonlethal technology on the
battlefield will be as significant as the fielding of
gunpowder based firearms during the European Renaissance .
Theoretical, Nonlethality. The theory that overwhelming
nonlethal force could be used to defeat lethal force .
Theoretical, Post-Engine, Mechanical, Energy. For more
advanced forms of nonlethal weaponry such as lasers and
acoustics to properly function post-engine (mechanical) forms
of energy will be required . See also Theoretical, Fourth
Epoch War.
Theoretical, RMA. Revolution in Military Affairs. Operational
level theory which views military technical, doctrinal, and
force structure changes now taking place equivalent in
magnitude to the 1920's and 1930's when armored warfare,
strategic bombing, and amphibious and carrier operations
developed. The RMA is generally accepted by the U.S. Armed
Forces and Office of Net Assessment .
Theoretical, RPMA. Fourth Epoch War theory perception that a
revolution in political and military affairs (RPMA) is taking
place. Far larger than a revolution in military affairs
(RMA), this historical transition will result in the eventual
demise of the nation-state, the blurring of crime and war,
and the rise of new competing polity forms . See also
Theoretical, Fourth Epoch War.
Theoretical, Sixth Generation Warfare. Soviet (Russian) view
of future warfare based upon faulty historical modeling which
does not differentiate between strategic and operational
level change. The current military revolution is said to be
equivalent in magnitude to the 1920s & 1930s or the 1950s &
1960s. Attributes of the new form of warfare developing will
include the ascendancy of aerospace operations, the growing
importance of electronic warfare and the computerization of
armed combat . See also Theoretical, MTR.
Theoretical, Third Wave War. Theory of future war modeled on
"waves" of economic based civilizations. First wave
civilizations are agricultural, second wave civilizations are
industrial and emerging third wave civilizations are
informational. Future warfare will be informational based
with the Gulf War representing the first of these conflicts.
Magnitude of current change now taking place viewed as
equivalent to that of the Industrial Revolution .
Theoretical, Twenty-First Century Politico-Military Force
Matrix. Nonlethal technology, when coupled with traditional
forms of lethal weaponry, allow for the application of
short-term incapacitation, long-term incapacitation, and
deadly force against the physical and mental/perceptual
attributes of human targets and the hardware and software
attributes of machine targets. This advanced form of
politico-military force application can be expressed in a
matrix .
Theoretical, War, Clausewitzian. A struggle between
nation-states or their coalitions over the preservation and
extension of national sovereignty.
Theoretical, War, Post-Clausewitzian. A struggle between
competing forms of social and political organization over
which the eventual successor to the nation-state will be
built .
Theoretical, Weapons of Mass Protection. Nonlethal,
antilethal, and information warfare weapons.