Rules of Engagement: What is the Relationship Between Rules of Engagement and the Design of Operations

Abstract

This paper initially explains the role Rules of Engagement (ROEs) play in the use of military force as a political instrument. ROEs are then characterized into three categories using theory and a historical overview of recent armed conflicts. From this analysis, the relationship of ROEs and the design of operations are investigated. This study concludes that ROEs impact on the design of operations in three significant ways. First, ROEs introduce a new equation of uncertainty into operations. Second, the operational commander must address the unusual degree of risk associated with limiting the use of force in relation to the enemy. Finally, limitations on the use of force can radically change the capabilities of the friendly force. The operational commander must assess his own force with respect to the limitations imposed by rules of engagement.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 04, 1987
Accession Number
ADA184917

Entities

People

  • Michael A. Burton

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Directives
  • Dominican Republic
  • Geographic Regions
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • New York
  • North Vietnam
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Rules Of Engagement
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design