The Interservice Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (INIWIC) is the sole Department of Defense (DoD) "train-the-trainer" program at the instructor level for non-lethal capabilities.
It is designed to prepare and certify Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and other DoD personnel to serve as expert trainers and unit advisors with respect to the tactical employment of individual non-lethal weapons (NLW).
Graduates of the advanced INIWIC 3 course become subject matter experts for their commanders, capable of providing critical input on how and when to employ non-lethal options to escalate or de-escalate force, influencing people in complex environments while minimizing unnecessary harm.
The INIWIC 3 course, typically two weeks long and hosted primarily at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, is a rigorous program that combines classroom instruction with extensive practical application.
The core of the curriculum is centered on the whole-of-DoD approach to non-lethal force. The specific topics and focus of the INIWIC 3 Practice Test include, but are not limited to:
Legal and Policy Framework: Deep understanding of Use of Force policies, including the "objective reasonableness" standard derived from the Fourth Amendment, relevant DoD Directives like 3000.03E, and service-specific orders governing non-lethal employment.
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs): Train-the-trainer methodology for teaching interpersonal communication, close-range subject control, civil disturbance techniques, and crowd control formations.
Non-Lethal Systems (Special Focus for Test 3):
Non-Lethal Munitions: Operational characteristics, safety distances, point-to-point and area-denial effective ranges for 12-gauge and 40mm NL systems, and specific munition types (flexible and non-flexible projectiles, warning/diversionary grenades).
Vehicle Arresting Devices (VADs): Deployment procedures, effective ranges, stopping power, and limitations of systems such as the Vehicle Lightweight Arresting Device (VLAD) and Portable Vehicle Arresting Barrier (PVAB).
Pneumatic Systems: Safe operation, disassembly, maintenance, immediate action, and deployment of the FN303 / CAL (Compressed Air Launcher) systems.
Military Laser Systems: Classification, safety protocols, ocular hail, and operational employment of systems like GLARE, GLIS, and NightHunter.
The INIWIC 3 final examination is not just a test of knowledge; it is an evaluation of your competency to teach and assess these critical skills in others. It typically includes:
Written Exam: A multi-hour exam, often multiple-choice and scenario-based, that requires high proficiency on all policy, legal, technical, and TTP-based knowledge covered during the course.
Practical Evaluation: A comprehensive series of practical tests where you must demonstrate your physical proficiency with each weapon system and device, while simultaneously being evaluated on your ability to provide safe and effective instruction to other students. You may be required to teach a specific segment of the course.
Instructor Evaluator Role: You will be assessed on your leadership, situational awareness, and capability to provide critical feedback to a trainee, acting as the instructor/evaluator.
Passing requirements are high, typically demanding a minimum score of 80% on the written portion and superior performance in all practical evaluations. A single significant safety violation can result in immediate failure.
The key to success in INIWIC 3 is not just memory, but mastery. Here are actionable study strategies:
Master the Manuals: Thoroughly review all course manuals, DoD directives (especially 3000.03E), and multi-service TTPs (like MCWP 3-15.8). Pay close attention to "TEST" or "KEY CONCEPT" labels.
Use Practice Tests: Regularly complete practice questions that focus on critical technical details: safety distances, caliber of weapons, magazine capacities, and the names/terms of different components and methods.
Teach and Practice: The "see one, do one, teach one" model is vital. After mastering a skill, practice teaching it to a classmate or mentor.
Practice Under Pressure: Rehearse your physical techniques (e.g., loading an FN303, deploying a VLAD) while verbalizing the safe operating procedures, replicating the testing environment.
Exam Centers: The final, graded INIWIC 3 examination is administered only in-person by certified instructor staff as the culminating event of the formal INIWIC 3 course, typically held at the USMC Detachment at Fort Leonard Wood, or by authorized Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) at specific units. It is not available via online or public testing centers.
A certification as an INIWIC 3 Instructor unlocks a unique and high-demand career path within the military, specialized training, and security sectors.
This certification directly qualifies you for the following job roles:
Non-Lethal Weapons Senior Instructor (NLW-SI)
Unit Non-Lethal Weapons Advisor to the Commander
Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Instructor
Non-Compliant Boarding Team Leader
Tactical Training Specialist (focus on NLW and Close-Range Subject Control)
Security Forces/Master-at-Arms Advanced Trainer
Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian or Contractor Non-Lethal Training Specialist
Graduates often move into leadership positions within their service's security, military police, or specialized tactical units, making a global impact on the responsible use of force.
We hope this study guide helps you in your journey to become an INIWIC 3 Instructor. Stay safe, study hard, and prepare to lead. Good luck!
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