Law of Armed Conflict

The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) is the law of war. It refers to US and international laws that bind US forces in the conduct of armed hostilities. LOAC exists to protect combatants and noncombatants from unnecessary suffering.

The basic principles of LOAC include:

• Military necessity
  Military necessity permits only that force necessary for the submission of the enemy with the least expenditure of life, time, and physical resources. Such force may be directed only against military objects or objectives. Internationally recognized status or symbols, such as the red cross, may not be used to gain advantage.
  

• Distinction
  Distinction generally prohibits the intentional targeting of protected persons (civilians, hostile forces who have surrendered) and protected places (objects or places used for purely civilian purposes, such as hospitals and schools, and cultural properties not converted to military or hostile use).
  

• Proportionality
  Any civilian losses or damage must be proportionate to the military advantage sought.
  

• Humanity
  Combatants should avoid unnecessary human suffering. The use of certain weapons -- including poisons, biological and chemical weapons -- violates international law.

Violations or perceived LOAC violations must be promptly reported and investigated and, where appropriate, remedied by corrective action.