Identity Dynamics, Needs, and Social Influences on Human Effects of Flashbang Grenades

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThe primary objective of this project is to investigate the psychological, physiological, and social effects of the use of flashbang grenades (FBG) for non-lethal crowd control and other non-lethal purposes and to develop a conceptual model that includes such effects.This work will draw on existing literature as well as the WRENCH conceptual models, and the project will include an assessment of what would be required to incorporate the new model into the existing WRENCH Simulator. FBG has not been studied with identity, social and PMESII variables. Such variables can alter the reactions of individuals and crowds.These need to be researched in order to advise on the circumstances in which FBG should be used to achieve the intended result, crowd dispersal for example. We theorize that inclusion of psychological, social and needs factors in the modeling of human effects will impact the behaviors of an individual in response to the deployment of FBGs. Understanding the influence of these factors is essential to more accurate modeling of human effects of this non-lethal weapon. The project will involve the completion of three tasks: Literature Review; Conceptual Model Development; and Comparison of Models and Recommendations. First, a literature review on any physiological and psychological effects will delineate first and second-order effects of the use of FBGs. Second, the project will develop a new conceptual model that integrates these effects with relevant aspects of the WRENCH conceptual models. Third, we will determine what aspects of the new model can be incorporated into the WRENCH Simulator and the required amount of work for this. Recommendations will then be made. The project will yield three reports: 1) literature review on the surprise effects of the first and second order; 2) documentation of the new conceptual FBG Effects Model and 3) a report comparing the new Model and the WRENCH Simulator with recommendations for further development.Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO)HQMC Plans, Policies & Operations (PP&O)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.