BCT & Law Of War(1&2) Flashcards
What are the types of Brigade Combat Teams?
Heavy Brigade Combat Team
Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Stryker Brigade Combat Team
All Brigade Combat teams include…
maneuver, fires, reconnaissance, sustainment, military intelligence, military police, signal, and engineer capabilities
Offensive Operations include…?
Movement to Contact, Attack, Exploitation, and Pursuit
Defensive Operations include…?
Mobile Defense, Area Defense, and Retrograde
Stability Operations include…?
Civil Security, Civil Control, Restore essential services, support governance, economic and infrastructure development
Defense Support to Civil Authorities?
DoD support to US civil authorities for domestic emergencies- support in response to disaster or terrorist attack, support civil law enforcement, and other support as required
A Divison controls…?
to 6 BCTs plus a number of functional support brigades
Ethos Defined as…?
The disposition, character, or fundamental values peculiar to a specific person, people, culture, or movement
What are the Army Warrior Ethos?
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
What are the purposes of Land of War?
Protect both combatants and noncombatants from unnecessary suffering
Safeguard certain fundamental human rights of persons who become prisoners of war, the
wounded and sick, and civilians
Make the transition to peace easier
Rules of Engagement?
are directives issued to guide United States forces on the use of force during various operations.
Rules of Engagement help to…
Based on Foreign Policy, Law of War, and Military Objectives
Tend to be more restrictive than Law of War
Designed to provide soldiers a ‘framework’ to guide their decisions in combat
Effective ROE are enforceable, understandable, tactically sound, and legally sufficient
Where Can I find ROE?
Within the OPORD, Paragraph III Execution, Coordinating Instructions (6) Rules of Engagement.
ROE cards usually given to all soldiers in a combat zone
What does R-A-M-P stand for?
R- Return Fire with Aimed Fire
A- Anticipate Attack
M- Measure the Amount of Force
P- Protect with deadly force
What are the Hague & Geneva Conventions?
Hague Convention of 1907 and Geneva convention of 1949 were an effort by countries of the world to reduce customary laws of war to written, accountable form. The United States signed each of these documents and solemnly pledged to observe all provisions of these treaties.
Law of War…?
We will not inflict unnecessary destruction or suffering
We will treat prisoners of war, captured or detained personnel, and civilians humanely.
We will not obey orders whose execution are in violation of the laws of war.
We are responsible for our unlawful acts
We are entitled to humane treatment if captured
What are The Principles of the Law Of War?
Military Necessity
Unnecessary Suffering/Collateral Damage
Discrimination or Distinction
Proportionality
Non-Combatants are defined as…?
Civilian population not engaged in combat
Medics and Chaplains
Soldiers who are rendered hors de combat
Civilians must never be deliberately targeted
Who has Medical Protected Status?
Medical property, material, and equipment has a protected status under Geneva Conventions. This includes vehicles, aircraft, and buildings marked with:
Red Cross on white background
Red Crescent
Red Crystal- used by Israel in international setting
Red Lion and Sun on white background (Pre-Revolutionary Iran-replaced by Red Crescent, but still recognized)
Red Star of David, only used in Israel (not recognized by Geneva Convention)
Loss of Status: Medical equipment employed in acts harmful to the opposing belligerent
What are Prohibited Weapons?
Weapons which cause unnecessary suffering
All Army issue weapons and ammunitions are tested to meet this standard
Cannot alter ammunition to cause more suffering
No use of Poison
U.S. will not use lethal chemical weapons
What are Treachery & Illegal Tactics?
No improper use of flag of truce, national flags, uniforms and insignia of the enemy.
Fine line separates use of spies and illegal conduct.
One may not feign surrender to gain an advantage on enemy
Must not hide behind or use medical or religious symbols/protected areas e.g. Hospitals, Churches, Mosques for military operations or storage of supplies
Enforcing the Law Of War
Violations of the LOW are subject to criminal prosecution and punishment.
US Armed Forces could be prosecuted by courts-martial under the UCMJ or through an international military tribunal.
“I was only following orders,” NOT a defense in war crime trials.
An individual soldier remains responsible for his or her actions
There is no statute of limitations on a war crime.
