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ROE vs. RUF - The Center for Law and Military Operations (CLAMO) and Headquarters Marine Corps, Judge Advocate Division, International and Operational Law Branch (HQMC JA (JAO)). Marine Corps Gazette article, March 2006. One significant result of the JTF–6 investigation and the current ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM operations has been a heightened recognition of the differences between “rules of engagement” (ROE) for combat or overseas military “operations” and what has become known as “RUF,” or “rules for the use of force,” for domestic support to civil authority missions and “nonoperational” force protection. While ROE and RUF both set guidelines on use of force for self-defense and mission accomplishment, they differ in their underlying concerns. As discussed in a prior article (“Rules of Engagement: What Are They and Where Do They Come From,” MCG, Apr02, p. 59), ROE are guidelines for the use of force reflecting a blending of political, legal, and military concerns. RUF serve the same purpose, but the political, legal, and military concerns typically are very different. One could argue that these varying concerns merely create a distinction without a difference. Whether RUF or ROE, we still are referring to what type of force Marines can use, under which circumstances, and when. The differences in underlying concerns, however, can create a set of entirely different rules that should translate to entirely different mindsets for the Marines employing them.

Rules of Engagement as a Force Multiplier - Major William Hittinger, USMC. US Marine Corps Command and Staff College thesis, 2000. Are rules of engagement a force multiplier when developed in consonance with coherent policies and achievable mission statements? The case studies presented demonstrate the significance of cooperation and coordination between the Statesman and the General. Vietnam and Beirut illustrate how much worse failure can become when both are not synchronized. Conversely, Desert Storm and Uphold Democracy illustrate that great success can be achieved when both are synchronized.

Rules of Engagement in Military Operations Other Than War: From Beirut to Bosnia - Major Herman Broadstone, USMC. US Marine Corps Command and Staff College thesis, 1996. With the end of the Cold War and a break up of world order Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) have been on the increase. In these operations it is often difficult to define an enemy and an exact mission. There is also a strong desire to limit the use of military force to prevent an escalation of the situation beyond a politically acceptable means. The measure used to control this are the rules of engagement (ROE). They define guidelines for the commander and forces committed concerning when the use of force is authorized and to what extent. Of primacy within the ROE is the right to self-defense which can never be denied regardless of the situation. The uncertainty of the mission and a changing political environment often cause the mission to change or creep. As this happens the ROE must be changed to match the mission. This has failed to happen on many occasions. The ROE must be in concert with the mission.

Commander's Role in Developing ROE (Link)

Medical Considerations

Care Delayed is Care Denied! (Link)

The Mosquito Can be More Dangerous.. (Link)

Small Wars Journal

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