ABOUT US

INIWIC students train to leverage nonlethal capabilities in overcoming unique and specific challenges in the contemporary operating environment. Graduates gain a practical understanding of the force continuum, and the ability to apply reasonable force options in situations that do not rise to a deadly force response or when deadly force is not the preferred option. A student who attends this course receives training that ranges from rules of engagement and fielded/emerging nonlethal technologies to effective training methodologies and utilization of service-specific Nonlethal Capability Sets (NLCS). INIWIC provides trained instructors who can assist the commander and Servicemembers in understanding the ramifications of unit and individual actions in relation to the tactical situation, and who provide training for situational appropriate force options.

HISTORY

In 1996, the Secretary of Defense signed Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 3000.3, which designated the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) as the lead proponent of non-lethal (NL) development and technology. With this assignment, CMC developed program recommendations for stimulating and coordinating non-lethal weapons requirements. Soon after, the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD) was formed at Quantico, Virginia, under the direction of Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (Plans, Policies, and Operations). The JNLWD is responsible for concept exploration and program development, while the tactical employment of NL technology was assigned to the Non-Lethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (NIWIC), located at the U.S. Marine Corps Military Police School, Fort McClellan, Alabama. On 12 June 1998, the NIWIC officially began training non-lethal instructors primarily for United States Marine Corps Operating Forces; however, other services also received NIWIC instruction. Shortly afterward, the NIWIC was evaluated by the Interservice Training Review Organization (ITRO), and was further designated as the only Department of Defense (DoD) organization authorized to conduct non-lethal instructor training. On 1 October 1999, NIWIC relocated to Fort Leonard Wood (FLW), Missouri, as part of the base realignment and closure (BRAC) Congressional program. During January 2000, the ITRO final cost analysis was conducted at FLW, solidifying the fiscal, student throughput, and instructor requirements necessary to start interservice training. In June 2000, the course was assigned a military article and services list (MASL) number, which makes the course available to those allies who participate in United States security assistance programs. The Inter-service Non-Lethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (INIWIC) stood up in fiscal year 2001 graduates over 300 students annually from all Services and several allied nations.

MISSION

The course is designed to “train the trainer” and produce instructors who will conduct basic user level NL capability set training. The INIWIC graduate may also serve as the non-lethal operations advisor to his/her respective commander. To date, over 3100 instructors throughout the DoD have been trained and certified through the NIWIC/INIWIC.

STAFFING

Current staffing is made up of Marine, Army, Air Force, Navy and Civilian (GS/CTR).

CURRICULUM

A student who attends the INIWIC course can expect to receive training that ranges from communication skills, crowd dynamics, force continuum, and oleoresin capsicum (OC) instructor certification to close range subject control, riot baton techniques and riot control tactics, and non-lethal munitions employment. Additionally, students receive classes on training management, and the items in the Service respective Non-Lethal Capability Sets (NLCS) to include assembly and maintenance procedures.

SCHEDULE

The course is 10 training days; training is dynamic and covers all aspects of tactical NL employment from the classroom through demonstration and practical application. Service school seat allocations and scheduling information can be obtained by contacting your respective Service level training organization (TECOM, TRADOC, CNET, AECT). To view the course schedule, click here.