Rules of Engagement

Rules of engagement exist to provide guidance to US forces regarding the use of force during military operations and routine functions.

In peacetime, US forces may use force only in self-defense in response to a hostile act or hostile intent.

US forces should employ that force necessary to decisively counter the threat, and may pursue and engage a hostile force. When possible, enemy forces should be warned and given the opportunity to withdraw or cease threatening actions.

In wartime, specific rules of engagement may be provided by the President and Secretary of Defense that allow for mission accomplishment. For example, a known terrorist group may be identified as a hostile force, and rules of engagement may allow US forces to engage declared such forces regardless of whether such forces committed a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent.

The Law of Armed Conflict, or LOAC, is a system of international laws that regulate the conduct of armed hostilities. Rules of engagement must comply with LOAC principles.