Budget Account
2034A - Procurement of Ammunition, Army
Description
The Non-Lethal Ammunition, All Types program is centered on acquiring various forms of non-lethal ammunition for the Army, with a particular focus on the M84 Stun Hand Grenade. These grenades are used as diversionary or distraction devices during operations where noncombatants may be present, such as building and room clearing missions. The main goal is to achieve surprise and temporarily disorient individuals in a targeted area through a loud bang and bright flash, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness while minimizing harm.
This program aligns with critical Army requirements under Title 10, supporting war reserve, operational, training, and test needs as outlined in Department of Defense Instruction 3000.04 and Army Regulation 5-13. War reserve requirements are designed to support Combatant Commander Operational Plans and Homeland Defense missions approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Additionally, it supports individual and collective training for both Active and Reserve Component forces at various Army facilities, ensuring readiness across all levels.
The Non-Lethal Ammunition program also addresses test requirements essential for the development, fielding, safety, and quality assurance of munitions throughout their lifecycle. This includes compliance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates the availability of such items for homeland defense missions and domestic emergency responses. The M84 Stun Grenade is classified as a training standard item used in both training exercises and combat scenarios to build a robust war reserve inventory in line with Army procurement goals.
Despite its importance, there is no request for additional resources for this item in FY 2025. However, past investments have supported its integration into training programs and operational reserves. The continued focus on maintaining an adequate inventory ensures that both active duty and reserve forces are equipped to handle diverse mission requirements effectively while adhering to safety standards.