Combatant Determination in the Asymmetric Environment
Abstract
In January 2009, President Barack Obama directed both the immediate establishment of a Special Interagency Task Force on Detainee Disposition and the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility by January 2010. As the Special Task Force works quickly to develop the options for detention, trial, transfer, or release of enemy personnel currently in United States custody, it must consider the ramifications of each recommendation for Americans captured in peace and wartime situations worldwide. This paper will explore America's contributions to the evolution of the Geneva Conventions and why the combatant status determination issue exists. Secondly, it will examine the applicability of the Conventions to future security environments and unconventional capture situations faced by American citizens. Following an analysis of current United States and international policy on combatant determination and treatment, this study will provide recommendations to prosecute the War on Terror adversaries while enhancing the survivability of, and protections afforded to, Americans captured abroad.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501092
Entities
People
- Laura M. Ryan
Organizations
- United States Army War College