Law of War Defined

The law of war — also called the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) — is defined by the Department of Defense as:

What the Law of War Regulates

• The resort to armed force
• The conduct of hostilities and protection of war victims (international and non-international armed conflict)
• Belligerent occupation
• The relationships between belligerent, neutral, and non-belligerent states

Purpose of the Law of War

Arises from civilized nations' humanitarian desire to lessen the effects of conflicts.

What it protects: - Combatants and noncombatants from unnecessary suffering - POWs, civilians, and military wounded, sick, and shipwrecked

What it aims to achieve: - Keep conflicts from degenerating into savagery and brutality - Help restore peace - Assist commanders in disciplined and efficient use of military force - Preserve professionalism and humanity of combatants

Law of War Training

Requires each military department to: - Ensure observance - Prevent violations - Ensure prompt reporting of alleged violations - Appropriately train all forces

Training is an obligation of the U.S. under: - The 1949 Geneva Conventions - Other law of war treaties - Customary international law

USAF personnel receive training commensurate with their duties. Specialized training for aircrews, medical personnel, and security forces.

Treaty Obligations

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that international legal obligations — including custom — are part of U.S. law.

This means: Treaties enjoy equal status to laws passed by Congress and signed by the President.

All persons subject to U.S. law must observe law of war obligations: - Military personnel - Civilians - Contractors authorized to accompany U.S. Armed Forces