Military Applications
Through the 20th, and into the 21st century the nature of conflict has changed dramatically. The military requires technological solutions in which the goals of adversaries are thwarted without resorting to lethal means. The military, as well as civilian law enforcement needs the ability to suppress their adversaries. Suppression can be defined as the degree of inability to carry out a task effectively or achieve one's goal because of a physical or psychological response. Although broadly defined, suppression should occur in a reliable and predictable fashion. Effective use of suppressive means is intended to reduce casualties of belligerents, slow the escalation of hostilities and ultimately lead to safer environments for military and civilian forces.