via Ibiblio.
The Marines were drilled and redrilled on the rules of engagement, including "what-if" sessions in which all possible contingencies were hopefully covered. In addition, each Marine was issued wallet-size card with the following rules printed in all capital letters:
I'm going to have to find it but I once read that overly restrictive rules of engagement caused the tragedy in Lebanon. Years later some of the same mistakes were repeated in Khobar Towers...the Cole incident and could even be blamed for the attacks in Kabul.
Guidelines of Rules of Engagement
- When on the post, mobile or foot patrol, keep loaded magazine in weapon, bolt closed, weapon on safe, no round in the chamber.
- Do not chamber a round unless told to do so by a commissioned officer unless you must act in immediate self-defense where deadly force is authorized.
- Keep ammo for crew served weapons readily available but not loaded. Weapon is on safe.
- Call local forces to assist in self-defense effort. Notify headquarters.
- Use only minimum degree of force to accomplish any mission.
- Stop the use of force when it is no longer needed to accomplish the mission.
- If you receive effective hostile fire, direct your fire at the source. If possible, use friendly snipers.
- Respect civilian property; do not attack it unless absolutely necessary to protect friendly forces.
- Protect innocent civilians from harm.
- Respect and protect recognized medical agencies such as Red Cross, Red Crescent, etc.
Leadership being more concerned about local sensitivities rather than ensuring mission accomplishment and force protection.
On a different note.
The Marine Corps should perhaps consider (since name changes are all the rage...and since everyone is using the term "expeditionary") going back to Marine Amphibious Units. It will make Marine formations unique again. As I said. Expeditionary is all the rage and has lost any luster it might have once had.
The Marine Corps switched to amphibious, during the Vietnam War, because the brass felt that the Vietnamese associated the word expeditionary with French. Then in the early 90s, they switched back to expeditionary. In my mind expeditionary, more accurately describes what the Marine Corps does. Yes, we are an amphibious force, but to my mind, that description is inaccurate in that we do so much more as well. My 2 cents and worth as much.
ReplyDeletewow. didn't know the reason why. just thought that it was a cool designation. i agree that we do a whole helluva lot more but what also kills me is that everyone is 'expeditionary' these days. not to bang on the USAF but they even call their formations expeditionary air wings and such.
ReplyDeletebut i can definitely roll with what you're saying.