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Providing an escalation of force, force application capability to the MAGTF
The Marine air-ground task forces' (MAGTF's) ability to conduct missions requiring escalation of force (EoF) capabilities has proven to be a critical element in our Nations success against hybrid challenges, because noncombatant casualties and collateral damage can have strategic implications. Marines facing asymmetric threats lack adequate non-lethal (NL) capabilities to immediately neutralize or incapacitate targets without killing or permanently injuring innocent civilians. The Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) has directed the Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration to:
Develop a plan to significantly increase the capacity and capability of complementary non-lethal systems that supplement lethal systems and allow for increased options for force application relative to the threat with the ability to limit collateral damage and lethal effects.1
What does the warfighter need in order to isolate or incapacitate a threat before it engages friendly forces? The Non-Lethal Weapons Branch, Capabilities Development Directorate, determined the answer using the results of the Program Objective Memorandum 2008 (POM-08), POM-IO, and POM-1 2 MAGTF Capabilities Based Assessments, input from the Infantry Operational Advisory Group,2 urgent universal needs statements (UUNSs),3 and lessons learned. Among the capability gaps identified, Marines stated a need for an NL system that has a greater range in order to increase standoff, a more robust capability that can incapacitate targeted individuals, a greater volume of fire, and the ability to seamlessly transition from NL to lethal fires.
The results of the analysis were formalized in the requirement for the mission payload module-non-lethal weapons system (MPM-NLWS). MPM-NLWS will provide the MAGTF with an enhanced capability needed to conduct perimeter security, support urban patrols, control crowds, conduct convoy security, and defend entry control points and vehicle checkpoints. The turret-mounted MPMNLWS on a HMMWV system will provide Marines the ability to acquire, engage, and incapacitate multiple targeted individuals at ranges from 30 to 1 50 meters.4 With its innovative NL thermobaric round, MPM-NLWS will enable the Marines to temporarily incapacitate multiple targeted individuals who pose a potential threat. By increasing standoff and providing temporary incapacitating effects on personnel, MPM-NLWS will provide the Marines time to determine the nature of the threat before escalating force and will reduce collateral damage and risk of significant injury ro...