Escalation of Force – Non-Lethal Effects (EoF-NLE) is the application of non-lethal capabilities that enable an individual to control a situation and execute a variety of missions while minimizing risk of significant injury and collateral damage. The definition presumes the individual’s right to self-defense and does not limit or rule out the use of lethal force.
The EoF continuum addresses the full range of response capabilities and possibilities (from non-lethal to lethal, offense to defense, and from peace to war). EoF-NLE addresses only the non-lethal portion of the EoF continuum. EoF-NLE efforts encompass a wide variety of activities and scenarios in coordination with other functions within the unit organization.
EoF-NLE actions are separated into six broad categories:
Assess
Warn
Move
Deny
Suppress
Disable
EoF-NLE can be used at both operational and tactical levels. EoF-NLE is not a mission in and of itself – it is a tool to support mission accomplishment. EoF-NLE provides options to the Commander that may permit the ability to non-lethally control or de-escalate a situation. EoF-NLE is employed both complementary to lethal force, and in mutual support of other non-lethal capabilities.
Also see related articles, USMC: Escalation of Force – Mission Modules (EoF-MM), https://www.dsiac.org/resources/news/usmc-escalation-force-mission-modules-eof-mm, and USMC: Non-Lethal Indirect Fire Munition (NL-IDFM), https://www.dsiac.org/resources/news/usmc-non-lethal-indirect-fire-munition-nl-idfm.