TRAINEE GUIDE - Recruit Training Command - The US Navy

TRAINEE GUIDE A-950-0001
A. Introduction
OUTLINE SHEET 1-09-1
CONDUCT DURING ARMED CONFLICT
Our country believes people involved in armed conflict are entitled to
certain human rights. The Conduct During Armed Conflict lesson teaches the
standards of conduct to be followed if the enemy captures you and the
ethical standards that will help you resist the physical and mental distress
of captivity.
B. Enabling Objective(s):
12.1 Explain the purpose and provisions of the Law of Armed Conflict.
12.2 Explain the purpose and articles of the Code of Conduct.
12.3 Explain the purpose and provisions of the Geneva Convention of 1949.
23.9 Explain the relationship between the Navy Core Values and conduct
during armed conflict.
C. Topic Outline
1. Introduction
2. Purpose and Provisions of the Law of Armed Conflict
a. The United States, as a nation, believes that all people fighting
in a war are entitled to basic human rights.
b. This belief led our country to adopt the Law of Armed Conflict.
c. The purpose of the Law of Armed Conflict is to ensure that
hostilities are:
(1) Directed at the enemy’s military forces.
(2) Not used to cause unnecessary human misery and physical
destruction.
d. General provisions of the Law of Armed Conflict
(1) Fight only enemy combatants; safeguard noncombatants when
possible. Civilians are immune from attack unless they are
directly involved in the enemy’s war fighting or war
sustaining effort.
(2) Destroy no more than the mission requires.
(3) Treat all civilians humanely and respect their property; do
not attack them.
(4) Collect and care for sick, wounded or shipwrecked
survivors, be they friend or foe, on land or sea.
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