Junior, senior Marines study law of war

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Lt. Col. Thaddeus Coakley discusses law of war considerations at the Camp Foster theater Sept. 12. “Targeting is limited by the law of war. For instance, it is against the law to target cultural landmarks unless military necessity deems it necessary,” said Coakley, an instructor with Law of War branch, International and Operational Law, Judge Advocate Division.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.12.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines refreshed their knowledge of the law of war at the Camp Foster theater Sept. 12.

The course was given by instructors from the Law of War branch, International and Operational Law, Judge Advocate Division, United States Marine Corps. Instructors covered information tailored to the units and Marines attending.

Informal laws of war have evolved over the years but were formalized by 194 countries in the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which regulate the conduct of armed conflict and seek to limit its effects.

“The law of war applies to all countries,” said Maj. Kevin P. Coughlin, an instructor with the branch. “We travel to different camps and bases of each branch of service, teaching service members about the laws and how to interpret them.”

The classes were tailored to two rank-specific groups. The first class was given to Marine sergeants and below.

“The law of war provides us with guidelines for conduct and actions while deployed,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher E. Lemme, a data network specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The class definitely made (the law of war) easier to (understand).”

The training emphasized the compatibility of the law of war with the principles of war, tactical considerations and good leadership. It also stressed the overall effective philosophy of the law of war and U.S. dedication to adherence to the law of war during the conduct of military operations.

The Marines also learned about rules of engagement and how they tie into the principles of war.

“The ROE set parameters determining who is hostile and who is a noncombatant on the battlefield,” said Coughlin. “ROE is directly (related to) the law of war.”

Staff noncommissioned officers and officers attended the second class, which reviewed a range of historic war crimes to focus on the broader picture of the law of war.

“Going over specific examples of war crimes helped bring context to the law of war,” said Capt. Jesse R. Shook, the company commander for Motor Transport Company, CLR-3, 3rd MLG. “It’s important to keep this knowledge up-to-date and fresh because it is a perishable skill.”

Though the classes used different material and themes, every Marine that attended walked away with one common lesson.

“Disobeying the law of war is a crime punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” said Coughlin. “Doing so would dishonor our nation, our Marine Corps and ourselves.”

• Date Taken: 09.12.2012
• Date Posted: 09.20.2012 01:50
• Story ID: 95011
• Location: OKINAWA, JP