Rules of Engagement

Australian rules of engagement have been endorsed by Government and issued to commanders. They define the circumstances and limitations within which military force may be applied during operations in Iraq. Rules of engagement are by necessity protected. Precise knowledge by an adversary of the limitations that have been placed on the use of force by Australian forces could endanger the lives of ADF personnel.

However, in broad terms, Australian rules of engagement comply fully with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including Australia’s obligations under the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Geneva Conventions, and other treaties to which Australia is a Party. Under these obligations, Australian forces will be authorised to engage with necessary and proportionate lethal force all Iraqi military and paramilitary forces, as required to achieve their mission. Australian forces will not attack civilians or other persons protected by the Geneva Conventions, such as those who are incapacitated by sickness or wounding, and are unable to defend themselves, or who have surrendered.

Australian forces will not attack civilians, other persons protected by the Geneva Conventions, or civilian objects such as civilian buildings, provided they are not being used for a military purpose. Under the same conditions, Australian forces will also not attack objects and infrastructure such as hospitals, places of worship, objects of cultural significance, dams, dykes and nuclear power stations. Additionally, and consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Ottawa Convention, Australian forces will not use or assist or encourage others to use anti-personnel landmines.

As a matter of Government policy, the use of cluster munitions by Australian forces has been prohibited.

Are Australia’s rules of engagement more stringent than those of the United States? Australia is party to more international treaties than the United States. Australia has more stringent obligations under international law. For example, as a signatory to the Ottawa Convention we prohibit the use of anti-personnel land mines. Also, as a matter of policy we prohibit the use of cluster bomb munitions. These differences will not affect our ability to work with United States forces.