The ROE was so bad sometimes there were 5-6 levels of approval needed to take out targets. I will assume the LTC could not make that call as he did not have the authority. I’ll bet the Washington NCA or Centcom could only make that call if the forces on the ground were not under a direct attack.
“The ROE was so bad sometimes there were 5-6 levels of approval needed to take out targets.”
I’ve never been in the military so thanks for your insights. I’ve read many stories of the final decision on ROE being made by those in DC offices who ignored the intel from those on the ground who were actually engaging with the enemy. The decisions made by the “higher-ups” were political rather than designed to actually take out the target and accomplish the mission, while at the same time saving lives. However, if things went sideways, those on the ground were the ones who bore the blame.
There may need to be some changes to ROE to give more authority to those on the ground but that comes with its own problems and risks as well.