Rules of Engagement: An Unclassified Primer.

摘要

This thesis provides a comprehensive unclassified analysis of Rules of Engagement (ROE). Both legal and non-legal factors affect the degree to which such rules restrict the use of force by armed forces during times of peace and war. The legal factors which apply to ROE are the right of self- defense under international law, the laws of war, and, for domestic operations, the domestic laws pertaining to the use of force and aid to civil authorities. The non-legal considerations which also restrict the resort to force have political and military rationales. Further analytical issues are considered in assessing various ROE for peacetime, transitional periods, wartime, and during exercises. Finally, the procedural aspects of drafting, reviewing, modifying, and disseminating ROE are also considered. The thesis is that ROE are a very necessary adjunct to military operations that require a particular expertise which can only be achieved through a cooperative effort of both operational legal advisor and the actual war-fighter.