Law of War
The law of war (also known as international humanitarian law or the law of armed conflict) is the body of international law that governs the conduct of armed hostilities, aiming to minimize suffering and protect non-combatants.
Pre-Test
The Need for Law of War
Q: the Law of War (LoW) only applies to armed conflicts that occur beyond your home station.
A: False
Q: Why is the Law of War necessary?
A: LoW provides processes for protecting basic human rights for those affected by war.
Q: In our endeavor to minimize unnecessary and inhumane behavior during conflicts, our nation is guided by respect for what type of rights?
A: Basic Human Rights
10 rules of Law of War for Airmen
Q: Which of the 10 Airman Rules of the Law of War (LoW) prohibits “destruction for destruction’s sake”?
A: Rule number 7: Destroy no more than the mission requires
Q: Which of the 10 Airman Rules of the Law of War (LoW) covers caring for the enemy?
A: Rule number 4: collect and care for the wounded, whether friend or foe.
5 Basic Principles of Law of War
Q: Match the Principles of the Law of War:
A: Discrimination or Distinction -> Focuses on ability to distinguish between combatants and civilians; Proportionality -> Principle of restraint focused on whether the military advantage in striking a target outweighs the anticipated incidental civilian loss of life and property; Honor ->Principle for decency and fairness and a certain amount of respect between opposing forces; Military Necessity -> Principle justyfing measures needed to defeat the enemy quickly and efficiently as possible that are not prohibited by the Law of War; Humanity -> Focus is to minimize unnecessary suffering, injury, or destruction against combatants, non-combatants, and property.
Q: What is the goal of military necessity?
A: To identify and pursue lawful military objectives that achieve the conflict’s aims and swift determination of hostilities.
Q: Which of the following best describes the “Principle of Discrimination” or Distinction in armed conflict?
A: The ability to distinguish between combatants and protected persons or sites.
Rules of Engagement
Q: The target must make an effective contribution to enemy military action.
A: True
Understand how Law of War is Applied
Q: What is used by commanders to ensure they adhere to the Law of War (LoW) by weighing the risk of collateral damage against military necessity and proportionality?
A: Collateral Damage Estimation Methodology (CDEM)
