. vii) The basic LOAC rules and principles applicable to Soldiers and Marines can be summarized by the following basic Soldier’s Rules (see AR 350-1)/Marine Corps Basic Principles (see MCO 3300.4A), developed by Army and Marine judge advocates to train Soldiers and Marines to conform to LOAC standards applicable in all military operations:
Fight only enemy combatants.
Do not harm enemies who surrender. Disarm the enemy and turn them over to your superiors.
Do not kill or torture enemy prisoners of war or other detainees.
Collect and care for the wounded, whether friend or foe.
Do not attack medical personnel, facilities, or equipment.
Destroy no more than the mission requires.
Treat all civilians humanely.
Do not steal. Respect private property and possessions.
Do your best to prevent violations of the law of war.
Report all violations of the law of war to your superiors.
5-1. As discussed in Chapter 2, Soldiers and Marines must comply with LOAC during military operations. With respect to the protection of civilians and civilian objects, all Soldiers and Marines must adhere to the following guidance:
Do not intentionally target civilians and civilian objects, for example, hospitals, schools, religious buildings, historic monuments. However, as discussed further below, civilians directly participating in hostilities may be targeted.
When conducting an attack, combatants must exercise due regard to reduce the risk of incidental harm to the civilian population and other persons and objects that may not be made the object of attack.
Do not abuse, degrade, or seek revenge against civilians, or take other unnecessary actions that could harm civilians.
When necessary to detain, search, question, or exercise other measures of control over civilians, perform such measures humanely, respectfully, and professionally in accordance with Army and Marine Corps values.
Do not steal.
Follow accountability and reporting procedures related to civilians and civilian property. For example:
Follow command guidance on reporting the presence of civilians or civilian casualties during military operations.
When feasible, give receipts when seizing private enemy property, such as holding for safekeeping or family documents or valuable from civilian internees.
Report alleged violations of the law of war against civilians in accordance with applicable DOD policies, including DODD 2311.01E.