Naval Rules of Engagement: Management Tools for Crisis
Abstract
One of the best tools available to policymakers to help manage armed forces during crisis is a set of orders known as rules of engagement(ROE). Rules of engagement are guidelines specifying under what conditions or circumstances force may be used to satisfy political and/or military demands. Tension inescapably exits in a system that subordinates armed forces under civilian control while retaining military command. Managing this tension by delineating the boundaries of military action in support of political objectives is another major role of ROE. Finally, ROE have use in managing another related tension- centralized versus decentralized control. This function is accomplished by authorizing varying levels of the chain of command to decide when to use force. Although this tension may involve interactions between civilian and military leaders, it can (and often does) involve interactions within the military chain of command. Although rules of engagement, in some form or another, have been around since rulers first sent men into battle, only in recent years have they received the type of scrutiny and attention they deserve. A coordinated set of maritime rules of engagement did not exist until 1981, and the joint services didn't establish a standardized peacetime ROE until 1986. Since then, the Joint Chiefs of Staff has coordinated all military rules of engagement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA228098
Entities
People
- Bradd C. Hayes