Last updated: 13 Nov 12 @ 03:24  |  

(Getty Images)

David Smith presents an end-user’s perspective on the non-lethal and less-than-lethal protective measures which can save lives during operations in hostile environments

Long gone are the days of blanket bombing and the casual attitudes towards large-scale military and civilian casualties which characterised conflicts of the past. Today, attitudes are focused on the respect for life and the need for clinical, pinpoint strikes, ensuring we deliver the maximum effect on our enemies while minimising collateral damage during any conflict situation.

Armed forces, law enforcement and private security personnel are all expected to embrace and rigorously abide by a “use-of-force” and escalation plan, and only to utilise lethal force as a final resort. With this new attitude, hopefully we have heard the last of the term “just light them up”. Whether a hostile engagement takes place on the streets of your hometown or is played out on international battlefields, there will always be a story-hungry reporter with his camera-wielding team ready to capture the next big breaking story. The headlines could detail