"Rules of engagement (ROE) are the internal rules or directives afforded military forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which the use of force, or actions which might be construed as provocative, may be applied."
The criteria and guidelines governing the use of force in combat operations, including the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, proportionality, and military necessity.
History of Military Ethics: Understanding the historical evolution of military ethics and the development of the modern rules of engagement.
Just War Theory: Familiarizing oneself with the principles of just war theory, which outlines the moral and ethical considerations necessary for engaging in armed conflict.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Developing skills in conflict resolution and mediation, which are crucial when trying to minimize casualties and avoid unnecessary violence.
Human Rights: Understanding the principles of human rights and their relevance in the context of military operations. Understanding what rights must be observed during military interventions.
International Humanitarian Law: Learning the basic principles of international humanitarian law, which dictate the legal framework that governs armed conflicts and the conduct of military personnel.
Cultural Awareness: Developing cross-cultural competencies so that military personnel can interact with local populations and understand their customs and values.
Leadership: Understanding the importance of leadership in creating and maintaining an ethical and professional military culture.
Communications: Developing effective communication skills that can be used to de-escalate situations and prevent misunderstandings during military operations.
Decision-Making: Developing decision-making skills that prioritize ethical and moral considerations when making decisions in a high-stress, high-pressure environment.
Cyber Warfare: Understanding the emerging ethical issues surrounding cyber warfare, including the ethical implications of cyber espionage, cyber espionage, and cyber crime.
Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in military operations and the potential risks and benefits of such technologies.
International Conflict Resolution: Developing skills in international conflict resolution, including diplomatic tactics and global politics.
Military Professionalism: Developing a strong sense of professionalism, discipline, and responsibility when carrying out military duties.
Moral Courage: Developing the moral courage to make difficult decisions in the face of difficult choices, and to stand by ethical principles even in the most challenging of circumstances.
War Crimes Investigation: Understanding the importance of war crimes investigation, and how it can be used to hold those who violate international law accountable.
Positive Identification: The ROE requires that a target be positively identified as a hostile combatant before attacking them.
Proportional Response: The ROE requires that force be used in proportion to the situational threat or hostile act.
Graduated Force: The ROE requires that force should be escalated based on a predetermined scale, according to the threat level and the response required.
Minimal Force: The ROE mandates that military personnel utilizes the minimum amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission successfully while minimizing the risk of injuries or death to both combatants and bystanders.
Escalation of force: ROE emphasizes that soldiers should use an escalating series of the force continuum as a response to a range of resistance.
Stand-Off: The ROE requires that military personnel remain outside a specified distance from potential targets and allies to reduce the risk of injuring bystanders or civilian infrastructure.
Self-Defense: The ROE permits soldiers or officers to use deadly force when individual or unit defensive property becomes threatened, and no other means or rules can prevent an immediate assault.
Civilian Protection: The ROE requires that soldiers protect civilians and non-combatants during times of combat and adhere to international humanitarian laws.
No-Warning Shots: The ROE prohibits warning shots in most situations, as they no longer remain a required tactical practice, under the new laws of land warfare.
Weapons-Free: The ROE may clear military personnel to use force without restriction, other than the target identification and proportionality requirements.
"They provide authorization for and/or limits on, among other things, the use of force and the employment of certain specific capabilities."
"Rules of engagement do not normally dictate how a result is to be achieved."
"Rules of engagement will indicate what measures may be unacceptable."
"While ROE is used in both domestic and international operations by some militaries..."
"The use of force by the U.S. military in such situations is governed by Rules for the Use of Force (RUF)."
"Yes, an abbreviated description of the rules of engagement may be issued to all personnel."
"A 'ROE card' is a document that provides the soldier with a summary of the ROE regulating the use of force for a particular mission."