Time to Tell Our Kids It's Okay to Shoot
By Major David G. Bolgiano, Maryland Air National Guard; Lieutenant Colonel James C. Larsen, USA; and Master Sergeant Trish Pullar, New York Air National Guard
The hand wringing that goes on in many command and legal circles concerning the application of deadly force in self-defense is perplexing when viewed in light of both the tactical realities of a firefight and the legal authorities available to support a more reasonable application of such force. When faced with an enemy or a declared hostile unit, our troops should be prepared tactically, legally, and mentally to apply the necessary force to defend themselves, address the threat, and carry out the mission. Commanders and their troops are always looking for simple, direct, and easily applied Rules of Engagement (ROE) that answer the fundamental question, "When can I pull the trigger?" Difficulty in coming up with clear answers is one of the most serious deficiencies in the individual tactical training provided to service members deploying to combat zones. These deficiencies are especially troubling in light of two other factors: the asymmetric threat and the absence of a clearly defined and readily identifiable hostile force.
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