Defense Military Rules of Engagement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Law of Armed Conflict, which principle requires that anticipated civilian casualties not be excessive in relation to the expected military advantage?
- Distinction
- Proportionality (Correct answer)
- Military necessity
- Humanity
Correct answer: Proportionality
Proportionality prohibits attacks where civilian harm is excessive compared to the concrete military advantage anticipated.
Question 2: A Soldier observes an enemy combatant drop their weapon and raise their hands. What is the appropriate response under ROE?
- Engage immediately before the enemy can rearm
- Detain the individual as a prisoner of war (Correct answer)
- Continue firing until the threat is confirmed neutralized
- Call in an airstrike to ensure the area is clear
Correct answer: Detain the individual as a prisoner of war
A combatant who surrenders must be treated as a prisoner of war and protected under the Geneva Conventions.
Question 3: What does the term 'hostile intent' mean in the context of Rules of Engagement?
- An enemy force has already fired upon friendly forces
- A threat to use force is imminent based on observed actions (Correct answer)
- A combatant is carrying a weapon in a combat zone
- An individual has a known affiliation with an enemy organization
Correct answer: A threat to use force is imminent based on observed actions
Hostile intent is the threat of imminent use of force against U.S. forces or civilians under their protection.
Question 4: Which type of ROE card is most commonly issued to individual Soldiers for reference during operations?
- Fragmentary Order (FRAGO)
- SROE Standing Card
- Pocket-sized ROE card (Correct answer)
- Execute Order (EXORD)
Correct answer: Pocket-sized ROE card
Pocket-sized ROE cards distill mission-specific rules into a quick-reference format carried by individual troops.
Question 5: When may a commander authorize the use of warning shots under U.S. ROE?
- Anytime enemy forces are spotted in the area
- Only when explicitly authorized by the applicable ROE (Correct answer)
- Whenever a Soldier feels threatened
- Warning shots are never authorized under any ROE
Correct answer: Only when explicitly authorized by the applicable ROE
Warning shots are a supplemental measure that requires explicit authorization in the applicable ROE; they are not a default right.
Question 6: In a non-international armed conflict (NIAC), U.S. forces must distinguish between civilians and which category of persons?
- Enemy POWs
- Unlawful enemy combatants only
- Persons directly participating in hostilities (Correct answer)
- Any individual in the conflict zone
Correct answer: Persons directly participating in hostilities
Even in NIACs, the principle of distinction requires targeting only those directly participating in hostilities, not civilians.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) as it relates to ROE?
- To destroy enemy infrastructure quickly
- To collect intelligence while following rules protecting cultural property (Correct answer)
- To detain all personnel found at a location
- To conduct counter-IED operations in cleared buildings
Correct answer: To collect intelligence while following rules protecting cultural property
SSE involves gathering intelligence at captured sites while ROE ensure protection of cultural property and civilian materials.
Defense Military Rules of Engagement 2
Under the Law of Armed Conflict, which principle requires that anticipated civilian casualties not be excessive in relation to the expected military advantage?