Rules of Engagement for Counter-Terrorism and Crisis

One of the best tools available to policy-makers to help manage armed forces during times of crisis is a set of orders known as rules of engagement (ROE). ROE are guidelines specifying under what conditions or circumstances force may be used to satisfy political and /or military demands. Tension inescapably exists in a system that subordinates armed forces under civilian control while retaining military command. Managing this tension by delineating the boundaries of military action in support of political objectives is another major role of ROE. There are vital links between the strategic and tactical levels of conflict. The strongest of these links are often ROE, as they enable mission accomplishment, force protection, and compliance with law and policy. ROE act as a kind of tool for politicians to control the level of “use of force” by the military. ROE are also a kind of tool for military commanders to command and control their units in order to fulfil the requirements of their mission. The ROE for counter-terrorist operations are different than war ROE in terms of applicable law and the political desire, which is less provocative in order to minimize the possibility of escalating the political situation.