RUF tells Soldiers how to respond if things get rough

Photo By Master Sgt. Christopher Schepers | Army Capt. Julius Blattner, brigade judge advocate for the Maryland Army National Guard’s 58th Troop Command, delivers RUF cards to individual Soldiers on duty in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021. The cards are simple summarized versions of the rules for the use of force that Soldiers can use as a quick reference guide. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Shawn Lopes)  

MD, UNITED STATES

01.19.2021

Courtesy Story

175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard

The men and women of the Maryland National Guard supporting efforts to protect the Capitol this month are well prepared for their assigned missions, both oversees and at home. National Guard service members are members of the military who are uniquely trained to conduct security on U.S. soil. When providing security for a mission like the current one in Washington, D.C., the National Guard can rely on their experience and training with the rules for the use of force, more commonly known as the RUF.

When under the control of the governor, National Guard service members are controlled by their state RUF, derived from state law. There are 54 variations, but all state RUF is based on general principles of self-defense. Maryland National Guard (Maryland National Guard) lawyers are keenly aware of these rules and ensure they are incorporated into all planning, training, and operations.

According to Army Col. Rose M. Forrest, Maryland National Guard staff judge advocate, the RUF is always in effect for troops on duty, whether the mission requires troops to carry weapons or not.

“Our folks frequently receive RUF training and have a solid understanding on the authorities and limitations involving the use of deadly and non-deadly force,” Forrest said. She also explained the quality of the training is vital. “RUF training should be intensive, realistic, and sustained.” The training is conducted by military lawyers and “should encourage Guardsmen to think through complex situations and explore communication and de-escalation principles.”

Maryland National Guard service members receive training on the RUF throughout the year. Before every mission, they receive a RUF brief to emphasize the importance of these rules. “It’s important that our troops have comprehensive and frequent RUF training because this allows them to make better and faster decisions when faced with a crisis,” Forrest said. She added, “It’s about keeping our troops safe and also the safety of the citizens we are supporting.”

Maryland troops sent to D.C. are complying with the RUF established by the District of Columbia National Guard. Every Soldier or Airman who arrives in D.C. goes through a legal briefing to familiarize them with the DCNG RUF and receive a printed version of the RUF for them to keep in their pocket as a quick reference.

The Maryland National Guard sent their own military lawyers to accompany troops to D.C. Company and battalion commanders are taking advantage of any down time during this mission to continue RUF training. “In between duty we make sure the Soldiers get rest and also continue to train on the RUF,” said Army Lt. Col. Rob Wille, the commander of the 115th Military Police Battalion. “It’s great to have the lawyers on the ground with us.”

One of these lawyers is Army Capt. Julius Blattner. He is a former Army mechanic and a cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law. Blattner is the brigade judge advocate for the 58th Troop Command. Commanders have recognized him for the high quality of his training and advice. According to LTC Wille, “he has easily built rapport with Soldiers.”

Blattner has developed challenging scenarios for commanders and troops to discuss, all based on the current RUF for the security mission at the Capitol. When asked about the past few days, Blattner said, “Our Soldiers are taking the RUF training seriously. They really engage with the scenarios and think of all the possible ways they can diffuse a dangerous situation. If the circumstances require our Soldiers to use force, I am confident they will respond in a manner consistent with their training and in accordance
with the established rules for the use of force.”

Additional Soldiers and Airmen of the Maryland National Guard are supporting local authorities back at home in Maryland. They too are going through continuous RUF training. Army Capt. Matthew Chalker is one of the lawyers providing the training to troops within the state. According to Forrest, he is providing training on the Maryland National Guard RUF.

“This is the RUF in effect during 2015 in Baltimore, during security missions protecting COVID testing sites, and today,” said Forrest. Chalker joined the Maryland National Guard as a military lawyer two years ago, after ten years of practicing both civil and criminal law. Forrest said, “Its great having someone one the ground a depth of experience, who encourages Soldiers to ask tough questions.”

• Date Taken: 01.19.2021
• Date Posted: 01.20.2021 17:46
• Story ID: 387144
• Location: MD, US