REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS

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: