The Ethics of ROE

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to examine the validity of operational rules of engagement (ROE) that responsible leaders choose to impose upon their subordinates in an effort to honor the jus in bello principles of discrimination and proportionality. While this project will not present the reader with a fool-proof solution for establishing ROE in war, it will point out the inadequacies within the current concept and application of ROE itself. While primarily focusing upon the development and implementation of ROE over the past 20+ years, this dialogue also addresses how particular elements of ROE impact the moral decision making responsibilities of soldiers as well as the strategic impact of those decisions. Additionally, over the period discussed (Panama 1989 - Iraq/Afghanistan 2009), the operational ROE issued by commanders underwent significant change. While touted as adjustments due to concerns about operational capabilities, these changes also carried with them not so obvious moral implications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA521758

Entities

People

  • Joseph P. Diminick

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Discrimination
  • Education
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Materials
  • Morals (Social Psychology)
  • Noncombatant
  • Psychology
  • Rules Of Engagement
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Urban Areas
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.