VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
CHAPTER 6
General Warfare Instructions
6100 INTRODUCTION
SECTION I — RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE)
In the conduct of peacetime operations, maritime units normally base their conduct on International
Law, the International Rules of the Road, and the Geneva Convention. Those units under national
command are further guided by national instructions, while those units under the operational command of
the Strategic Commanders (SCs) conform to NATO instructions. The national/NATO instructions
providing this supplementary guidance are designated as Rules of Engagement (ROE).
ROE are directives to military forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances
conditions, degree, and manner in which force, or action which might be construed as provocative, may, or
may not, be applied. ROE are not to assign tasks or give tactical instructions. With the exception of
self-defense, during peacetime and operations prior to a declaration of counter aggression, ROE provide
the sole authority to NATO forces to use force. Following a declaration of counter aggression, ROE
generally limit the otherwise lawful use of Force.
6110 PLANNED RESPONSES
a. Initial Responses. As very short advanced warning of an attack may occur, it is essential that
initial responses to specific detections be planned and promulgated by the OTC. To ensure quick reactions,
planned responses should be:
(1) Matched to the actual threats.
(2) Promulgated so as to permit rapid updating.
(3) As simple as possible.
b. Promulgation. Unless otherwise directed in planned responses, the implementation of such a
plan carries with it the automatic upgrading of the appropriate threat warning to RED.
6-1 CHANGE 2