Maritime International Law Part 30 Destruction and Your Mission

LIMITS OF DESTRUCTION; PROTECTED PROPERTY, SYMBOLS,AND FORBIDDEN TACTICS: To read the entire series so far in order of occurrence click here:   http://americanadmiraltybooks2.blogspot.com/p/the-enduring-principals-of-maritime.html

 YOU MAY NOT CAUSE DESTRUCTION BEYOND THE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR MISSION

 Undefended villages, towns, or cities, civilian vessels that are not part of an enemy's force structure may not be attacked. However, civilian vessels serving the enemy's war effort are legitimate targets of attack. Enemy troops, equipment and supplies encountered in a village or city may be engaged. However if a patrol receives fire from one building in an urban area, fire may be returned to the source only. You may not level a town or village under most circumstances. To quote from the Law of Armed Conflict (NAVEDTRA 112-A):
 \ "The rule is that you should not create more destruction than necessary to accomplish your mission. When you use firepower in a populated area you must attack only the military target."

YOU MAY NOT ATTACK PROTECTED PROPERTY

 Protected property includes buildings dedicated to cultural or humanitarian purposes such as churches, hospitals, clinics, schools, orphanages, or museums. These places remain protected so long as the enemy does not use them for military operations.

YOU MAY NOT FIRE UPON MEDICAL SYMBOLS SUCH AS THE RED CROSS OR RED CRESCENT

 Generally such symbols will be red with a white background. You are obligated to learn to recognize the symbols employed by your enemy,

FORBIDDEN TACTICS

 NEVER HIDE BEHIND MEDICAL SERVICE SYMBOLS. Never mark your position or yourself with a medical service emblem unless you have been designated to perform only medical duties.

THINK TWICE ABOUT FIRING AT A PARACHUTE

Air crewmen abandoning a plane have protected status, similar to shipwrecked sailors. You may not fire on a parachute of an air crewman. Paratroopers on the other hand are legitimate combatants and may be fired upon while still in the air.

DO NOT FIRE AT SHIPWRECKED ENEMY PERSONNEL IN THE WATER AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, TAKE CARE OF THOSE LEFT TO THE MERCY OF THE SEA.

NEVER ALTER YOUR WEAPON OR AMMUNITION TO INCREASE ENEMY SUFFERING.

 The weapons and ammunition issued to you are in full accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict. This law does not allow you to alter the weapon or the ammunition and forbids such ammunition as "dum dum" rounds or hollow point ammunition

TO BE CONTINUED: NEXT, THE ENEMY IN YOUR HANDS.