MOUT and ROE: Writing Rules for Chaos

Abstract

MOUT is arguably the most complex and dangerous operating terrain. Due to the presence of man-made structures, an infrastructure, and concentration of civilians, urban terrain takes away a force's maneuverability, restricts the employment of firepower. fractures unit integrity, and hinders communications. As a result, heavy reliance must be place on small unit leaders to exercise split-second judgment and professional discretion. ROE serve a critical role by providing clear guidance for use in such situations. ROE are extremely difficult to write for the urban environment. They must meet the appropriate balance between the legal, political, and military aspects of the operation. Although each operating environment is different, commanders can ensure the best for their forces and mission by not placing undue emphasis on collateral damage and by ensuring that the ROE are simple, unclassified, realistic, and flexible.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 05, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389607

Entities

People

  • Kenneth B. Brown

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Collateral Damage
  • Force Protection
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • Language
  • Military Operations
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • Rules Of Engagement
  • Security
  • Training
  • United States
  • Urban Areas
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.