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GENEVA CONVENTION - 14325_609
SUMMARY - 14325_611

Basic Military Requirements (BMR) Revised Edition
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rights regardless of their conduct or beliefs. Because of this belief, our nation has adopted the Law of Armed Conflict to govern the conduct of its military forces engaged in fighting. Because  naval  operations  frequently  involve fighting between major units, you don’t need a detailed knowledge  of  the  Law  of  Armed  Conflict.  However, you  need  a  basic  knowledge  of  it  since  even  in large-scale naval operations some people may violate the Law of Armed Conflict. Small-scale  operations  require  a  more  detailed knowledge of the Law of Armed Conflict by the naval personnel  involved.  You  will  receive  this  detailed knowledge if the need arises. As a member of a military force, you are allowed during periods of hostilities to attack and even kill the lawful combatants of your enemy. Generally speaking, the  term  lawful combatants  means  members  of  the military  force  and  civilian  personnel  engaged  in hostilities. Just as the Law of Armed Conflict permits certain hostile actions, it limits the way you may conduct these actions. It provides for the protection of certain targets in  a  war  zone  to  safeguard  people  and  property  not directly involved with military activity. For example, it expressly  forbids  attacking  or  firing  on  nonmilitary targets  not  being  used  by  the  enemy  for  military purposes. The use of illegal techniques and tactics, such as  rape,  pillage,  and  plunder,  is  also  prohibited. Unlawful techniques and tactics can backfire on the user because often they are dangerous in themselves. They are also likely to enrage the enemy, causing the enemy to fight harder or respond by using illegal methods, such as  killing  POWs.  Personnel  who  violate  the  Law  of Armed Conflict will find themselves in serious trouble, including the possibility of trial by court-martial upon return to the United States. The  fundamental  terms  of  the  Law  of  Armed Conflict are as follows: Fight only enemy combatants. Destroy no more than your mission requires. Do not attack enemy soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines  that  surrender.  Disarm  them  and  turn them over to your superior. Never torture or kill prisoners of war and other detainees. Collect   and   care   for   wounded,   sick,   or shipwrecked survivors, whether friend or enemy, on land or at sea. Protect  medical  personnel  and  chaplains, medical  and  religious  facilities,  and  medical transportation  of  the  enemy.  Treat  them  with respect and do not attack them. Treat  all  civilians  humanely  and  respect  their property. Do not attack them. Do  your  best  to  prevent  any  violation  of  these fundamental rules. Report any violations to the appropriate authority promptly. Do not violate these rules; an order to do so is illegal. Discipline  yourself  to  obey  these  rules  during combat.  Disobedience  of  the  Law  of  Armed  Conflict dishonors  your  nation,  the  Navy,  and  you.  Far  from weakening the enemy’s will to fight, such disobedience strengthens  it.  Disobedience  of  the  Law  of  Armed Conflict is also a crime punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS Q1.   What is the main purpose of the SOFA? Q2.   What document dictates the treatment of POWs? Q3.   What  is  the  purpose  of  the  Law  of  Armed Conflict? 22-20 Student Notes:







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