Inside Track
DoD Manual Outlines Laws of War, Labels Journalists Possible Targets
The Pentagon has released its new book of instructions for waging war legally, wherein it outlines acceptable ways of killing the enemy. The manual reveals that the term “enemy combatant” has been replaced by the designation “unprivileged belligerents,” and that journalists labeled as such are legitimate targets.
The Department of Defense Law of War Manual, released by DoD General Counsel Stephen Preston, is the first of its kind, serving as an all-in-one guide for all four branches of the military. Prior to this manual, each branch was responsible for writing its own guidelines for engagement.
The booklet addresses a number of war legalities, including rules for warning of an attack. According to the Washington Times, the manual states that the use of surprise in ambushes, sniper attacks, air raids, etc. is acceptable, and that the only group requiring warning of an attack is a civilian population. It also states that it is acceptable to shoot, stab, bomb, explode, or cut the enemy, but use of poison or asphyxiating gases is not permissible.
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