http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1010/p04s01-woiq.html
[Rules of Engagement] Vary from war zone to war zone
Rules of engagement tell troops when they can apply force. They can vary from war zone to war zone, operation to operation, and even mission to mission. They're usually set by "combatant commanders" - those in charge of an entire region, such as Gen. John Abizaid, head of US forces in the Middle East. But some rules must be approved by the secretary of Defense or even the president.
In conflicts like the one in Iraq, applying the rules can be difficult, especially when troops must make split-second decisions. Sometimes, the rules even allow troops to shoot at civilians, if they can't be distinguished as such and appear to pose a threat.
(Diana here: If the ACLU and Human Rights Watch are behind this, then our guys MUST be guilty. Yeesh! Follow the money, Honey! I know General Abizaid from various military schools I've taken through the years. He is an honorable man and an awesome leader. The Socialists hope to have his head on a platter before this is through. And THAT will be a d@mn shame. No wonder he wants out in March '07. He sees the handwriting on the wall. This is the TIP of the iceberg as far as these "trials" go.)
Civilians can be distinguished as such. It is distinguishing the civilians from the terrorists that pose the problem.
Stories fresh from Iraq:
8 y/o boy greets the troops everyday and is their little buddy. One day, said 8 y/o boy comes running toward the platoon. As he is running to them he pulls open his jacket to show them he is strapped with a bomb. The troops beg him to stop. He yells back that he can't.
A "civilian" engages our troops. He has an AK47 in one hand and a baby in the other as he grins at them.
Our troops are out on patrol all day. Upon return to the base their ammo is counted. If there is a bullet missing, a report must be filled giving the circumstance in which it was used.