What is the primary goal of the Department of Defense regarding non-lethal weapons?

The primary goal of the Department of Defense regarding non-lethal weapons is to incapacitate personnel or material while maintaining reversibility. Non-lethal weapons are designed to temporarily disable targeted individuals or equipment without causing permanent injury or damage. This approach allows military and law enforcement personnel to manage conflicts effectively and minimize loss of life while still achieving their operational objectives.

By focusing on reversibility, the Department of Defense aims to provide options that can be employed in various scenarios where the use of deadly force is neither necessary nor appropriate. This ensures that individuals affected by non-lethal weapons can recover quickly and return to a state of normalcy, which is essential for maintaining ethical standards in military engagements and law enforcement operations. The use of non-lethal options reflects a commitment to minimizing collateral damage and taking a more humane approach to conflict resolution.