Non-lethal weapons (NLWs) are designed to minimize fatalities and other undesired collateral damage when used. Events like the attack on the USS Cole have raised ideas about the role NLWs can play in enhancing support to naval forces.

Includes bibliographical references.

Executive Summary -- 1 Introduction -- 2 The Current Status of Non-Lethal Weapons -- 3 Principal Findings -- 4 Conclusions -- 5 Recommendations -- A Non-Lethal Weapons in the Architecture for Force Protection -- B Non-Lethal Weapons Technology Table -- C Discussion of Health Effects of Non-Lethal Weapons -- D Biographies of Committee Members and Staff -- E Acronyms and Abbreviations