The Washington Times has obtained the
confidential "rules of engagement" for an
Army military police brigade in Iraq. It shows soldiers
enjoy wide latitude in deciding when to defend themselves
and buddies with deadly force.
The rules state, in part, "You
may use force, up to and including deadly force against
hostile actors in self-defense; in defense of your unit,
or other U.S. forces; [and] to prevent the theft, damage
or destruction of firearms, ammunition, explosives or
property designated by your commander as vital to national
security. Protect other property with less than deadly
force."
The rules also give military police
the flexibility of using lethal force in subduing detainees.
"If U.S. or coalition forces or
innocent civilians are being attacked or reasonably
perceived to be in danger you are authorized to respond
with deadly force without first employing less forms
of force," the rules state. "Any persons demonstrating
hostile intent or committing a hostile act may be engaged
using necessary and proportional force, up to and including
deadly force."
The document urges MPs to first shout
a verbal warning, using the word for "halt"
that sounds like "cough" in Arabic; shove
or block access; show your weapon; and, if that fails,
"shoot to remove the threat of death/serious bodily
injury or to protect designated property."
Finally, the rules say, do not fire
warning shots. "Fire only aimed shots."
Below: Spc. Michael Doerr, from the
940th Military Police Company, provides security with
his 50-caliber machine gun, as his unit visits an Iraqi
police station in Diwaniyah on June 24, 2005.
Below: Soldiers from Civil Affairs
and Psychological Operations Command provide security
for a civil affairs mission in Tikrit, Iraq on July
14, 2005.
Back
to Main News Page
|