Law of Armed Conflict

Video International Law: Law of Armed Conflict

Fundamental Principles MILITARY NECESSITY Only those acts of war which will likely produce some military advantage HUMANITY May not cause more harm, pain, destruction of enemy than is necessary to defeat it CHIVALRY Dishonorable means or conduct is forbidden 10 10 10 10 10

Specific Rules for Conduct of Hostilities Examples of Prohibited Weapons Glass-filled projectiles Poison/poison gas Hollow point bullets Refusal of Quarter Use of treachery 11 11 11 11 11

Specific Rules (cont’d) Noncombatants Rights of occupying army Right to govern Can change the penal law for security of its forces Can punish acts of espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla activity 12 12 12 12 12

Specific Rules (cont’d) POWs Must be provided free food, clothing, shelter, and medical care Medical personnel & chaplains must be released (unless they are needed to minister to their fellow prisoners May be forced to do agricultural and domestic (as long as they don’t serve a military purpose) 13 13 13 13 13

Specific Rules (cont’d) Noncombatants Temporary Custody - If holding them temporarily for military purposes, they must be treated humanely If accidentally injured - excusable if in the course of destroying a military target (if risk of injury is proportional to the military advantage) 14 14 14 14 14

Enforcement of Laws of Armed Conflict Public Opinion Payment Of Reparations Diplomatic Action Humanitarian Intervention Reprisal Reciprocity Criminal Liability 15 15 15 15 15

What Would You Do If You Were In The Following Situations? SCENARIOS What Would You Do If You Were In The Following Situations? 16 16 16 16 16

As a future Air Force officer, you must exercise strong moral, ethical, and legal behavior.