LOAC: Rules to live by

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing legal office reinforced the importance of the law of armed conflict during a refresher course Feb. 28 to March 4 here for members of the 8th Security Forces Squadron.

The course highlighted the principles of LOAC, which directs those who follow it to treat prisoners of war humanely and prevent the unnecessary suffering and destruction of non-combatants.

"The United States complies with LOAC," said Capt. Jason DeSon, 8th FW deputy staff judge advocate. "Air Force policy states that our personnel must understand, observe and enforce LOAC."

He said not only the 8th FW, but the Air Force as a whole, must comply with LOAC because it protects against unnecessary suffering, facilitates the restoration of peace and ensures service members fight as a well-disciplined military force consistent with national values.

"The training we provide is real-world training," Captain DeSon continued. "Our briefings are designed to reinforce the LOAC training all Airmen receive through CBTs [computer-based training]. We include information relevant and unique to our location here on the Korean peninsula."

The objective of this location-unique training is to ensure Wolf Pack security forces personnel are familiar with the rules, the captain said.

"We practice application of those rules through our exercises and inspections so that when we must respond to a contingency situation, we will be ready to defend the base with honor," he added.

The training focused on the four basic principles of LOAC and their application to the rules of engagement and rules for use of force in peacetime and wartime.

"The principles of military necessity, distinction, proportionality and unnecessary suffering are firmly rooted in the body of international law governing combat," said Captain DeSon. "These basic principles guide our security forces personnel whenever they use force, whether this force is in self-defense executing their law enforcement mission, or engaging a hostile force attacking the base during war."