Group
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.
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.
Non-Combatants: Individuals who are not actively participating in hostilities. These are not legitimate targets.
Do not intentionally engage non-combatants as defined in FM/BS-349 - Identify legitimate targets
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:
Do not intentionally cause collateral damage to civilian infrastructure as defined in FM/BS-350 - Minimize collateral damage against civilian infrastructure