Rules of engagement - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)


Group

Rules of engagement
The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.



Guide
FM/BG-348 - Understanding rules of engagement (ROE)
Guide

Rules of engagement (ROE) are directives that dictate how and when military forces can engage in combat. ROE outline conditions for using force, including target identification, self-defence, and proportionality. They are designed to ensure lawful and ethical conduct in military operations, and vary depending on the mission and environment. ROE always take precedence in operational decisions.

Skill
FM/BS-349 - Identify legitimate targets
Skill

Identify targets as legitimate targets before engagement. This is crucial to prevent harm to civilians and ensure adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality in combat.

Combatants: Individuals who are actively engaged in hostilities or are members of armed forces.

  • Enemy soldiers in uniform not surrendering or wounded
  • Armed militants
  • Persons directly participating in hostilities
  • A person posing an immediate threat (e.g., aiming a weapon) can be considered a combatant
  • Parachuting active airborne infantry

Non-Combatants: Individuals who are not actively participating in hostilities. These are not legitimate targets.

  • Civilians not taking direct part in hostilities
  • Unarmed medical and religious personnel
  • Wounded/surrendering soldiers who are not participating combat in any way, and prisoners of war
  • Parachuting crew from a downed aircraft
Skill
FM/BS-350 - Minimize collateral damage against civilian infrastructure
Skill

Do not cause damage to civilian infrastructure, unless necessary to archieve a military purpose. In general, preserving life should be prioritised over the avoidance of damage, but the destruction must be proportional to the purpose.

Examples:

  • Acceptable situations:
    • Using explosives on a civilian house used as a military HQ
    • Dropping a bomb on an actively engaging enemy tank next to a house
  • Unacceptable situations:
    • Cluster-bombing an enemy-held town
    • Destroying a house to take out a single shooter
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