JSP-398 United Kingdom Compendium of National Rules of Engagement

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JSP 398
UNITED KINGDOM COMPENDIUM OF NATIONAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
2000
Promulgated by Command of
The Defence Council
Permanent Under Secretary

Ministry of Defence
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JSP 398 (2000 Edition)
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RECORD OF AMENDMENT
AMENDMENT DATE OF INSERTION INITIALS
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CONTENTS
Title Page No
Preliminaries i - iv
United Kingdom Compendium of National Rules of Engagement 1–9
Annex A Definitions A-1 to A-3
Appendix 1 Amplification of Self Defence, Hostile Act and A-1-1 to A-1-6

Hostile Intent
Annex B List of Rules B-1 to B-25
Annex C Format for Messages C-1 to C-2
Appendix 1 Example of ROE Authorisation (ROEAUTH) C-1-1 to C-1-3

Message
Appendix 2 Example of ROE Request (ROEREQ) Message C-2-1 to C-2-2
Appendix 3 Example of Rules to be Incorporated into ROE C-3-1 to C-3-2

Profile to Cover Maritime Embargo Operations
Appendix 4 Example of Rules to be Incorporated into ROE C-4-1 to C-4-3

Profile to Support Non Combatant Evacuation
Operations (NEO)
Annex D Guidance Cards D-1 to D-16
Card A – Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Authorised to

Carry Arms and Ammunition on Duty
Card B – Guidance for Service Personnel Dealing with Trespassers on

MOD Property
Card C – Guidance for the Release of Dogs by Service Personnel on Duty
Card D – Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Public Order

Control Equipment
Card E – Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Batons
Card F - Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Batons When

Guarding Specified Nuclear Assets
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Card G - Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Guarding

Specified Nuclear Assets and Authorised to Carry Arms and Ammunition
on Duty
Annex E Points of Contact in MOD for Rules of E-1 to E-2

Engagement Issues
Annex F TOR for the MOD ROE Committee F-1 to F-2
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JSP 398
UNITED KINGDOM COMPENDIUM OF NATIONAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
1. Ministers provide political direction and guidance to commanders by means of Rules of

Engagement (ROE), within the legal constraints already identified, which control the application of
force by UK Forces. It follows that only ministerial authority can change such rules. The ROE
contained in this document can be applied to all arms of the Services and to all environments (i.e.
maritime, land and air).
2. ROE are defined as directions for operational commands that set out the circumstances and
limitations under which armed force may be applied by UK forces to achieve military objectives for
the furtherance of UK government policy. ROE are thus issued as a set of parameters to inform
commanders of the limits of constraint imposed or of freedom permitted when carrying out their
assigned tasks. They are designed to ensure that any application of force is appropriately controlled.
ROE are not intended to be used to assign specific tasks or as a means of issuing tactical instructions.
In passing orders, subordinate commanders at any level must always act within the ROE received
but they are not bound to use the full extent of the permissions granted. Sometimes commonly used
ROE are summarised as ‘guidance cards’. The same principles apply to these as to the ROE
themselves.
3. It remains the commander’s responsibility to ensure that only the degree of force that is
necessary, reasonable and lawful in the circumstances is used. ROE exist only to give guidance and
cannot by themselves guarantee lawfulness of any action. It is important that commanders recognise
their responsibilities in law with respect to the use of force and are confident that the forces under
their command have been trained and understand their ROE. Those using force must be expected to
be held to account for their actions.
DEFINITIONS
4. Definitions of specific terms used in this document are listed at Annex A.
LAW: THE USE OF FORCE
5. The provisions of international and national law circumscribe the conduct of military
operations. The former includes the principles and rules set out in the UN Charter and in The Hague
and Geneva Conventions, the provisions of Treaties and Agreements to which the UK is a party and
the tenets of customary international law. As for the latter, in addition to existing domestic law
principles relating to the use of force, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) will be
incorporated into domestic law from 1 October 2000. This includes specific provisions protecting
the right to life. UK Service personnel, wherever they may be serving, are always subject to English
domestic law. In addition, they are subject to the law of the particular country to which a force may
be deployed, though a Status of Forces agreement or Memorandum of Understanding may place
limitations on the extent to which that law can be enforced. A more detailed explanation of the use
of force, including the use of such force to defend other personnel1 in the vicinity of own forces, is
provided at Appendix 1 to Annex A.
1
. Such as UK personnel, coalition personnel and citizens of other countries.
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APPLICABILITY
6. National (Joint and Single-Service) Operations. UK ROE covered in this JSP can be
applied to all the UK armed forces. This joint approach will enable commanders at all levels to
become aware of the rules applicable to other UK national joint/single-Service forces operating in
the same or adjacent areas. Profiles drawn-up under these ROE may apply to all UK forces at all
times while conducting national operations world-wide.
7. Multinational Operations. UK forces may be called upon to operate in conjunction with

forces of other nations operating under different ROE. In these circumstances, MODUK will seek to
harmonise the different sets of rules between different nations. Subject to ministerial approval,
national forces under command or control of UN, NATO or other international or multinational
agencies may operate under ROE issued by that agency. NATO ROE policy and procedures are
contained in MC3622 which is used by operational planners to develop NATO ROE profiles; multi-
national forces may also operate under such ROE if they are deployed under the auspices of NATO.
Nevertheless, difficulties can arise where:
a. Nations’ legal systems differ (particularly over the use of lethal force);
b. There is disagreement over the permissibility of a given ROE (resulting from the
interpretation of legality of an operation);
c. One nation decides, for political reasons, that its forces will not use ROE that are
acceptable for others.
In some circumstances national amplifying instructions may be issued to ensure compliance with UK
national law.
8. Area. In any given area of operation, UK forces under the same commander would
normally operate within the same ROE. Within a large theatre, however, it may be necessary to
issue different profiles, covering smaller areas, or to forces that are operating under significantly
different circumstances. It may also be necessary to issue different ROE profiles to forces carrying
out different missions, but in every case the profiles must be complementary to each other.
9. Non-Operational Deployments. UK forces may undertake non-operational deployments

overseas where UK personnel may be at risk e.g. exercises in areas at risk from terrorist attack. In
such cases, MOD would require the relevant British Embassy to liaise with the host nation prior to
deployment to agree that UK Service personnel may be armed for self-defence, and to agree ROE
that are acceptable to both parties. This may include non-lethal use of force covered by the ROE in
this document. It may also cover the use of force in the ‘self-defence’ of foreigners.
10. Weapons. The rules within this JSP apply solely to the employment of conventional
weapons, including the protection of nuclear weapons and special nuclear materials using
conventional weapons. The employment of nuclear weapons is covered by separate procedures and
no reference is to be made to them.
2
. Approved by NAC on 1 Dec 99.
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INDIVIDUAL RULES
11. The ROE are divided into 22 rules as detailed in Annex B; a set of rules developed to support
a particular operation is known as a ROE Profile. Each rule has a number of options, known as
steps, identified by an alphabetic suffix. Wherever possible the steps follow a common pattern,
which range from prohibition, through qualified permission, to unrestricted use of the capability
being controlled by the rule. It may be necessary to authorise more than one step from each rule to
allow for different levels of response in differing situations (e.g. encountering combatants or non-
combatants), or to issue different variants of the same rule according to the type of units involved
(e.g. aircraft or ships). All steps of each rule applying must be individually specified in the
profile, as there is no automatic progression from one step to another. The purpose of the rule
number and suffix is to provide an easy reference by which each rule can be identified. The plain
language text attached to each rule must clearly define the limitations being placed upon the
commander and identify to which force elements the restriction applies. (See the examples at Annex
C)
12. Designated Actions. Some steps require careful and comprehensive definition of portions
of text marked by square brackets, e.g. [Designated actions]. Designation, where indicated, is
mandatory but the words ‘any’, ‘all’ or ‘nil’ may be used, as appropriate. Particular attention must
be given to the clear designation of units or elements other than own units. For example, it will not
be sufficient to refer to friendly forces without further specification (e.g. of nationality) and in some
situations ROE may be concerned with non-military elements (e.g. suspected smugglers). In
addition it may be necessary to qualify or explain the general wording of the rule within the spirit of
the step being proposed or authorised; the guiding principle must be to ensure that the recipient of
the ROE can readily understand the intention of the issuing authority.
13. Dormant Profiles. There are occasions when profiles may be issued to come into force at
specific times and/or circumstances. These are referred to as ‘dormant’ profiles. Particular care
must be applied in the handling of dormant ROE to ensure that forces in theatre are absolutely clear
at all times about what ROE they are authorised to use. Dormant profiles are seldom authorised and
would not normally be issued below the Joint Force Commander.
14. Legal Advice. JSP 398 is a guidance document and should not be viewed as a substitute for
legal advice. Every commander deployed on operations should have a lawyer available to provide
legal advice in respect of the application of JSP 398 and international law generally 3. Depending on
the circumstances, it may sometimes be necessary to consult the Law Officers when developing
ROE Profiles.
15. Guidance on the Application of ROE. The general ROE profile will be constructed from
the list of rules, but this may need to be supplemented by more specific guidance, especially when
Servicemen are engaged on specialist military operations such as Non-combatant Evacuation
Operations (NEOs). This supplementary guidance deals with a variety of circumstances and is
produced as guidance cards, reproduced at Annex D. Cards A, E, F and G include guidance for the
use of force by service personnel equipped with batons or personal weapons. Guidance provided on
these cards covers the defence of mission essential property as an attack upon such property is seen
to carry with it a potential threat to life, and hence the use of lethal force may be justifiable in
individual or collective self-defence. Where time becomes of the essence, the Commander on the
spot could be authorised to classify property as mission essential. In such circumstances, the
individual must be able to justify his actions in accordance with the laid down ROE. Cards F and G
3
. As stipulated by Article 82 of Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions.
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will only be issued exceptionally and the Law Officers are to be consulted prior to issue. In addition
the standing authority for arming of Service personnel on security duties in peacetime is covered in
detail in CDS 21/90 and the DCDS(C) Arming Directive 4.
16. Training. It is essential that operational and supporting force commanders ensure that
personnel are properly trained in the application of their ROE before commencing operations or non-
operational deployments. Higher military and political authorities should anticipate and authorise
the release of ROE required for the conduct of operations, in line with any imposed readiness states.
As part of the planning process, a system should be established to ensure commanders are allowed
adequate time and opportunity for training their personnel on the ROE and to resolve any
interpretation difficulties. This should be done to allow interpretation to be clarified and for
deploying forces to be trained. If this is not possible a risk assessment should be conducted and an
impact statement briefed to the higher authorities.
17. Standing Profiles. In addition, several standing profiles exist for ongoing peacetime
commitments such as day to day Fleet activity. The procedures described in this document may
apply equally to the development and reviewing of such standing profiles. However the procedures
outlined in this document relate primarily to ROE for crises and operations.
ROE DEVELOPMENT
18. The development of UK national ROE requires early and close consultation between MOD,
and the relevant subordinate staffs. Invariably PJHQ will be responsible for providing draft ROE
profiles and submissions, and for providing advice at the operational and military strategic level, on
the military, legal and secretariat aspects of ROE. Otherwise, commanders must consult appropriate
MOD departments for this support. Details of relevant contacts are outlined at Annex E. The
nominated commander is also responsible for the promulgation of authorised ROE profiles to
theatre.
19. ROE policy advice must be carefully considered, and timely, and legal considerations must
be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.
ROE PROCEDURES
20. In a crisis, part of the task of the MOD Current Commitment Team (CCT) is to provide
political and military strategic policy guidance and direction on ROE. Otherwise, the standing MOD
ROE Committee (MRC) fulfils these responsibilities, and the MRC TOR is at Annex F. The
Committee assists the staffing of ROE profiles through the MOD for clearance with Ministers and
Other Government Departments (OGD), principally the FCO, but also other departments such as the
Department for International Development, Home Office or Scottish Office, as appropriate.
Authorised ROE profiles are then promulgated by the Committee via the Chief of Joint Operations
or other nominated commander.
21. Whilst, the initial draft ROE profile would normally be developed by PJHQ, drafts may also
be produced by single Service Commands, regional Secretariats or Multinational organisations
(NATO, WEU etc). Once developed, the draft profile would be presented to the MRC or CCT staffs
for legal and military/secretariat staffing to identify the key issues and broad direction of ROE policy
and direct action.
4
4. DCDS(C)/06/04/01 dated 19 Nov 98.
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22. Following the initial discussions, the MRC/CCT will engage:
a. The Crisis Management Desk in the FCO Security Policy Department for major
operations; or
b. The FCO regional desk for operations at lesser scales of effort or Operations other
than War; or
c. The relevant Government Department(s) where appropriate for operations in the UK

or UK Territorial Waters.
d. MOD Legal Advisers who will consult FCO lawyers and the Law Officers as
appropriate, especially where Rule 530 is invoked.
23. These informal consultations will enable the FCO to provide advice on whether the draft
ROE profile is consistent with any international mandate for the operation and for Legal Advisers,
including the Law Officers, to be satisfied that the ROE profile is consistent with UK and
international law. Cumulatively, these discussions should smooth the passage of the draft ROE
profile through the formal interdepartmental consultations. In the event that there are still any major
areas of difficulty, ACDS(Ops) and DG Op Pol will jointly chair a ROE committee aimed at
resolving them.
24. Once a consolidated position has been reached at official level and the ministerial submission
finalised, it will be submitted for approval by MOD Ministers (together with advice for its
progression to the Defence and Overseas Planning Committee (DOP), where this is appropriate),
keeping CDS, DCDS (C) and DG Op Pol informed. For small scale operations or changes to
existing ROE, this function may be carried out by the relevant regional secretariat in MOD.
25. ROEAUTH. When Ministerial/DOP approval (where appropriate) has been obtained, the
MRC or an appropriate CCT Desk will issue the authorising message. The format for this is known
as a “ROEAUTH” signal, and an example is provided at Appendix 1 to Annex C.
26. MOD UK will forward the ROEAUTH to the OPCOM authority

(PJHQ/FLEET/LAND/STRIKE etc) for further dissemination to the subordinate commanders. The
ROEAUTH should make clear the level to which ROE has been delegated. For example, it may be
necessary for commanders to withhold rules in anticipation of delegating them to subordinate
commanders when appropriate.
27. ROEREQ. ROE staffing should be an iterative and living process at all levels. In particular
the system should be responsive to the needs of the tactical commander. As the operation develops,
deployed commanders may request changes to the initially authorised ROE profile. When such a
requirement is identified or anticipated, a request for a ROE change should be submitted from
theatre to the issuing authority, copied to MOD. A full justification for each requested rule change
must be included along with the likely consequences of the requested ROE being refused. Therefore,
it is essential that commanders are allowed adequate time before the ROE come into effect to
understand the ROE and to question them to ensure clarity (and also for training – para 16). The
format for this is known as a ROEREQ and an example is provided at Appendix 2 to Annex C. The
MRC/CCT will have a vital role to play in ensuring the quick handling of ROEREQs.
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28. A schematic representation of the foregoing procedure is set out at Figure 1, overleaf.
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STRUCTURE OF THE RULES
29. Political Policy. The Government guidance in the ROEAUTH comprises a Political Policy
Indicator (PPI) and an amplification of the political context of the operation. The PPI may be taken
to give overall direction to commanders of the ROE to be adopted in new circumstances as they
evolve and in the absence of direction from higher authorities. The PPI may be:
XRAY – De-escalation
Political/military strategy is to minimise UK involvement in the crisis to that necessary to

achieve the aim. An example would be a NEO where the objective is to rescue UK entitled
persons but without becoming involved in the resolution of any local crisis.
YANKEE – Status quo
Political/military strategy is to use UK forces to maintain current regional balance or return to

previous status quo following destabilisation. Significant use of force to support specific
objectives may be authorised under PPI Yankee. PPI YANKEE would be appropriate for
enforcement of agreed UN sanctions.
ZULU – Risk of Escalation is Acceptable
Political/military strategy is to authorise the use of force to support achievement of the grand
strategy including change of the status quo ante to generate a more favourable environment.
Implicit in the approval of PPI ZULU is political recognition that military action may lead to
escalation of the crisis. PPI ZULU would be appropriate for a crisis on the scale of the Gulf
Conflict 1991.
IMPLEMENTATION
30. In implementing ROE commanders should consider the authorised profile as the limit of
permissions available and may, in their judgement of the situation, authorise a more restrictive
version of any rule.
EXERCISES
31. The ROE in this document are to be used for exercises involving purely UK national forces.
Care is to be taken to ensure that exercise ROE are clearly defined as such to avoid confusion with
the real ROE in force at the time. Consequently messages should be prefixed with the words
‘EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE’.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
32. Communication of rule numbers and alphabetical suffixes from an authorised profile, without
their meanings, is classified RESTRICTED. It may be necessary to give a higher classification, and
a national caveat, to ROEREQ and ROEAUTH signals to reflect exercise or operational
circumstances.
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AMENDMENT
33. The Director of Joint Warfare (DJW) in MOD Main Building is responsible for the review,
amendment and publication of this document. Proposed amendments to JSP 398 should be
forwarded to DJW, attention Assistant Director Joint Warfare (AD JW), quoting the page and
paragraph numbers, the precise wording of the change and a full explanation of the proposal.
Annexes:
A. Definitions.
B List of Rules.
C. Format of Messages.
D. Guidance Cards.
E. Points of Contact in MOD for ROE Issues.
F. TOR for MOD ROE Committee.
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ANNEX A - DEFINITIONS
1. Baton. A truncheon or expandable or rigid instrument specifically designed for a policing,

security or coercive purpose.
2. Baton Round. A projectile fired from a specifically modified gun, which is explicitly
designed and developed to incapacitate or repel personnel with a low probability of fatality or
permanent injury.
3. Buzzing. Action by an aircraft to emphasise its presence by flying low over a specific area
or target, or close to other aircraft at higher altitudes.
4. Collateral Damage. Damage to personnel and property adjacent to, but not forming part of,
an authorised target.
5. Commander. An individual of the Armed Forces in whom authority for the direction, co-
ordination and control of military forces is vested.
6. Competent Operator. An individual trained in the use of particular equipment or in

carrying out a procedure.
7. Compliant Boarding. Boarding is compliant when the platform to be boarded has given
approval.
8. Counter Harassment. A proportional response to harassment, through manoeuvre or other

procedure.
9. Covert Action. Action carried out in such a way as to disguise or hide one’s presence or
purpose. It may also be employed as part of a deception plan to enable surprise, or comprise those
actions undertaken by Special Forces that may be sensitive.
10. Detention. The holding in custody of personnel or equipment.
11. Element. An individual, vehicle, vessel, aircraft platform.
12. Harassment. Calculated act of provocative nature designed to inconvenience, disrupt or

alarm.
13. Hostile Act. A deliberate attack or use of force by a foreign force or terrorist against the
UK, UK Dependent territories, UK forces, UK citizens, and, when specifically authorised in the
ROE profile, entitled persons overseas, designated foreign nationals and designated property. When
a hostile act is in progress, the right exists to use all necessary and proportionate force including
lethal force, up to the limits imposed by the ROE, to deter the attacker or to neutralise the threat.
The ROE profile may give guidance on events less than an actual attack, which are to be interpreted
as a Hostile Act. Detailed amplification is contained at Appendix 1 to Annex A.
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14. Hostile Intent. The threat of imminent use of force by a foreign force or terrorist against
the UK, UK Dependent territories, UK forces, UK citizens and, when specifically authorised in the
ROE profile, entitled persons overseas, designated foreign nationals and designated property. When
action in response to Hostile Intent is authorised the right exists to use all necessary and
proportionate force including lethal force, up to the limits imposed by the ROE, to deter the attacker
or to neutralise the threat. A demonstration of Hostile Intent is generally indicated by:
a. The threatening unit or force’s capability and preparedness to inflict damage;
and
b. evidence, especially intelligence, indicating that an attack is imminent.
The ROE profile should give guidance on events that can be interpreted as a demonstration of
Hostile Intent. Detailed amplification is contained at Appendix 1 to Annex A.
15. Illumination. Activation of an artificial light source or fire control radar to light a target.
16. Intervention. Action taken to divert a unit from its intended course, flight path, mission or
task.
17. Interrogation. Action taken against an individual or group designed to determine specific
information.
18. Lethal Force. Any action taken which is likely to cause death.
19. Non-compliant Boarding. Boarding is non-compliant when the platform to be boarded has
failed to comply with legitimate instructions and approval to board has not been obtained.
20. Opposed Boarding. A boarding whereby the master of the platform to be boarded has
made it clear, verbally or otherwise, that he will take steps to prevent the boarding party gaining
access to his platform by means of force.
21. Patrol Arm True Dog. A dog trained for use in the military that if released will only bite
the left or right arm of a protagonist.
22. Personal Weapon. A weapon normally designated by a unique serial number, issued to an
individual and intended primarily for his personal use.
23. Positive Identification. Assured determination by specified means of the nationality of an

individual and, where required, types of equipment or system.
24. Public Order Control Agents. Chemical agents such as CS smoke
25. Public Order Control Equipment. Any equipment designed or utilised for the
maintenance or restoration of Public Order.
26. Self Defence. See Appendix 1.
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27. Simulated Attack. Action carried out when a unit manoeuvres into a firing or bombing
position with necessary sensors energised, and with weapons apparently ready to fire or drop, but no
actual attack takes place.
28. Strike (of a baton). Action whereby a baton makes deliberate and controlled contact with
the target individual.
29. Unit. Any military element whose structure is prescribed by a competent authority.
30. Warning. Informing intruding units or other elements that their actions are interfering with
operations and may lead to the taking of countermeasures.
Appendix:
1. Amplification of Self Defence, Hostile Act and Hostile Intent.
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APPENDIX A1 – AMPLIFICATION OF SELF DEFENCE, HOSTILE ACT AND HOSTILE

INTENT
THE USE OF FORCE
1. The legitimate use of force by UK Service personnel depends upon a complex mixture of
rights and obligations derived from several sources including English domestic law, International
Law (including the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols) and the UN Charter.
Account must be taken of the type of operation - international armed conflict; non international
armed conflict; civil war; insurgency; and terrorism – any UN Security Council Resolutions which
have been made with regard to the particular crisis; and UK Government objectives. Commanders
must ascertain the legal basis upon which their action is based. Typically this will be explained in
the amplification to the PPI contained in the ROE profile.
2. International law has long recognised that there are circumstances when nations may have to
resort to the use of armed force to protect their national interests against unlawful or otherwise
hostile actions by other nations. Article 51 of the UN Charter recognises:
“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self
defence if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations until the Security
Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”
Action in self defence is governed by three precepts:
Necessity. It is indispensable for securing self-defence.
Imminence. The need to defend is manifest, instant and overwhelming.
Proportionality. The response must be commensurate with the perception of the level of the
threat posed. Any force used must be limited to the degree, intensity and duration necessary for
self-defence and no more.
3. Anticipatory Self Defence. Included within the inherent right of self defence is the right of
a nation (and its armed forces) to protect itself from imminent attack. The UK interprets Article 51
of the UN Charter as preserving the right of anticipatory self defence. It would defeat the very
purpose of self defence if, for example in this age of ballistic missiles, a nation were required to
absorb an aggressor’s initial and potentially crippling first strike before taking those military
measures necessary to thwart an imminent attack. Anticipatory self defence involves the use of
armed force against a nation or organisation with hostile intent and no reasonable choice of peaceful
means is available to prevent or avoid that potential aggressor’s imminent use of force.
4. UK Law on the Use of Force. UK Service personnel have the inherent right to use force to
protect themselves in individual or collective self defence. In exercising that right of self defence
English domestic law requires that only reasonable force may be used to defend oneself or others
from an imminent threat of harm. Lethal force is only justified when human life is or is likely to be
endangered and there is no other way of averting that danger. The justification for the use of force
would have to be in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967:
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“A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances
[a] In the prevention of crime,
or
[b] in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of

persons unlawfully at large.”
The critical question in the application of self-defence is the definition of reasonable force.
Precedents have established
“…. the test to be applied for self defence is that a person may use such force as is reasonable in
the circumstances as he honestly believes them to be in the defence of himself or another. ”5
Commanders and Commanding Officers must be aware that persons who may be legally justified in
using force initially may nevertheless be held criminally responsible for any excess in that use of
force.
5. Deployed Forces. For UK forces deployed outside the UK, the use of force in self defence
applies to one’s self, one’s unit, UK forces operating in the immediate vicinity, and UK citizens in
the vicinity. In keeping with the principles of the Alliance, within the general concept of self
defence, NATO/NATO-led forces also have the right to use that force which is necessary and
proportional to defend other NATO/NATO-led forces and personnel in the vicinity from attack or
imminent attack6. Similar principles may also extend to forces operating within a Coalition.
Beyond this, any extension to approve the use of force to protect, citizens of other countries or
mission essential equipment, must be specifically authorised. Specific authorities under a ROE
profile to respond to a Hostile Act or a demonstration of Hostile Intent are used to authorise action
under Article 51 of the UN Charter to respond to an act of aggression at the national level. Hence
the rider included in every ROE profile is that nothing in the profile can remove the individuals’
inherent right of self-defence.
6. Proportionality. At all times the Rule of Proportionality must be observed, in particular

collateral damage must not exceed the direct military advantage achieved by the operation. Before
engaging an objective, every responsible military leader shall:
Verify the military nature of the objective to be attacked.
Choose means and methods minimising incidental injury and damage to civilian life and objects.
5
. With the coming into force of the Human Rights Act (HRA), this test will also have to be read in the light of
Article 2 ECHR which protects the right to life. Paragraph 2 of that Article reads “deprivation of life shall not be
regarded as inflicted in contravention of this Article where it results from the use of force which is no more than
absolutely necessary:
(a) in defence of any person from unlawful violence;
(b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained;
(c) in action lawfully taken for the purposes of quelling a riot or insurrection.”
6
. MC 362 para 7.
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Refrain from launching any attack that may be expected to cause incidental injury and damage to
civilian life and objects which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military
advantage anticipated.
Give the civilian population advance warning of attacks that may affect it unless circumstances do
not permit this.
When a choice is possible between several military objectives of equal importance, attack an
objective that is likely to cause the least incidental injury or damage.
7. Hostile Act. A Hostile Act is defined as:
“ An attack or other use of force by a foreign force or terrorist unit against the United Kingdom,
UK Dependent Territories, UK forces, UK citizens and, when specifically authorised in the ROE
profile, designated foreign nationals and designated property.”
When a hostile act is in progress, the right exists to use all necessary and proportionate force
including lethal force, up to the limits imposed by the ROE, to deter or neutralise the attacker or to
remove the threat. Response to a Hostile Act obviously includes responses in self-defence but it also
extends to the ability to take action both to counter threats to the nation and to respond to events that
would not meet the parameters of an attack under self-defence. Political approval, authorising the
use of force to respond to a Hostile Act is at the core of the concept of the controlled use of military
capability. The authority to respond, and the level of permitted response to a Hostile Act is detailed
in the ROE profile. Whilst an actual attack which endangers life clearly is a Hostile Act the ROE
profile may give guidance on other events which are to be interpreted as a Hostile Act depending on
the situation.
8. Hostile Intent. Hostile Intent is characterised by demonstration of both capability and

intent by a potential enemy. It is defined as:
“the threat of imminent use of force by a foreign force or terrorist unit against the United
Kingdom, UK Dependent Territories, UK forces, UK citizens and when specifically authorised in
the ROE profile, designated foreign nationals and designated property.”
When action in response to Hostile Intent is authorised the right exists to use all necessary and
proportionate force including lethal force, up to the limits imposed by the ROE, to deter or neutralise
the attacker or to remove the threat. Clearly, responding to a demonstration of Hostile Intent is
moving closer to being the first party to use force but may be justified as anticipatory self defence
under both Domestic and International Law. The ROE profile must give guidance on events that can
be interpreted as a demonstration of hostile intent. These may include:
Detection of heavy jamming of communications, emanating from hostile or potentially hostile

territory.
Units moving into weapon launch positions and preparing to fire, launch or release weapons
against forces, shipping, aircraft or territory of own or designated friendly nations.
Repeated and extensive harassment of own or allied forces.
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LAWS OF WAR
9. Historically international law was based upon a rigid distinction between the state of peace
and the state of war and there was no intermediate state. Once two states were at war their relations
were governed by the ‘Laws of War’, and the actions of all other nations by the ‘Laws of
Neutrality’. No such clear division now exists. Today the outbreak of an armed conflict between
two countries will not necessarily mean that all non-hostile relations between them cease. Indeed,
formal declarations of war would now be unusual, and indeed the Laws of War are now more
usually referred to as the Laws of Armed Conflict or International Humanitarian Law. Military
action in war or conflict is governed by the requirement to demonstrate the military advantage to be
gained from the attack. Furthermore, the right of parties to an armed conflict to choose the means
and methods of warfare is limited. In particular, it is prohibited to employ means or methods which
are intended or of a nature to cause:
Superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.
Widespread, long term, and severe damage to the natural environment.
Injuries to military objectives, civilians, or civilian objects without distinction.
10. In general terms, Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force by states to settle
international disputes. However, it is generally accepted that international law permits the use of
force in the following circumstances:
a. Where the use of force is authorised by a UN Security Council Resolution operating

under Chapter VII of the UN Charter;
b. Where the use of force is justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter on the basis of
individual or collective self defence7;
c. Where the use of force is necessary to protect UK nationals or other entitled persons,
located overseas, from imminent threat of injury;
d. Exceptionally, where the use of force is necessary to prevent or stop a humanitarian

disaster.
The legal basis for military action will influence the development of the final ROE profile.
11. The Laws of Armed Conflict place constraints on the conduct of armed conflict; they protect
those who are not, or are no longer, taking part in fighting, and restrict the means and methods of
warfare. They apply with equal force to both sides in a conflict and impose specific obligations on
all members of the armed forces. Therefore, commanders at all levels have a responsibility to ensure
that their subordinates comply with those obligations.
12. International law draws a fundamental distinction between combatants and civilians.
Combatants are members of the Armed forces of a party to a conflict (other than medical personnel
and chaplains)8. In addition, in countries where a state of civil war exists, there may also be
7
. In the view of the UK, this incorporates anticipatory self defence.
8
. Geneva Protocol 1 1977.
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individuals or groups that cannot be categorised as members of the uniformed military but are still
combatants. Their activities may be subject to the provisions of Geneva Protocol II (1977) on the
Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts. Medical and religious personnel, and
members of the armed forces who are no longer engaged in hostilities because of wounds or capture,
or as a result of abandoning a ship or aircraft, are not legitimate targets. The principle of military
necessity requires combat forces to engage in only those acts necessary to accomplish a legitimate
military objective and hence any loss of life or damage to property must be proportionate to the
military advantage to be gained. Measures forbidden by international law may not be employed.
Civilians and civilian property must not be the subject of attack or reprisals.
13. Methods or means of warfare that may be expected to cause unnecessary suffering or
superfluous injury are prohibited. This principle provides a general yardstick against which all
weapons and methods of warfare must be judged. It does not seek to prevent the infliction of injury,
which is an inherent feature of war, but rather the infliction of injuries or suffering which serve no
useful military purpose.
14. It is prohibited to use methods or means of warfare which are not or cannot be directed
against a specific military objective and are therefore likely to strike civilians and military objectives
without distinction.
15. Individual/Unit Self Defence. In addition to the right of states to exercise individual or
collective self defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the right of individual service
personnel or units to exercise self defence is also inherent and cannot be restricted by any
ROE. UK National Law requires that only minimum force may be used to defend oneself or others
from the commission of an act carrying an imminent threat of harm. Use of lethal force in self
defence is only justified when the act is believed to be endangering, or is likely to endanger, human
life (either your own or that of someone else) and there is no other way of averting the danger.
16. Summary. To summarise:
a. A complex mixture of codified and customary law controls the use of force.
b. Circumstances place military action somewhere along the continuum that ranges from
peace through crisis to war.
c. All UK Military personnel have an inherent right of self defence which:
(1) Cannot be removed.
(2) Permits action against both an attack and an imminent attack.
(3) Authorises the use of lethal force to prevent an action that endangers or is
about to endanger life.
(4) Is contained in English domestic law.
(5) Is governed by the concepts of imminent necessity and proportionality.
d. The UK view is that action in self defence applies to oneself, ones unit, other friendly
units and friendly non-combatant personnel in the immediate vicinity.
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e. Beyond self-defence, is the authorisation of the use of lethal force in response to

Hostile Acts and demonstrations of Hostile Intent.
f. Definitions of Hostile Act and Hostile Intent will be authorised through the ROE
profile.
g. When authorised by the ROE profile, Hostile Act and Hostile Intent may authorise
action in response to events which themselves are less than an actual attack or imminent
attack.
h. In armed conflict the range of permissible action continues to be governed by the

precepts of international humanitarian law.
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ANNEX B - LIST OF RULES
Number Title
500 Use of Public Order Control Equipment
510 Carriage and Use of Personal Weapons
520 Use of Force
530 Carriage and Use of Batons or Personal Weapons to Protect Specified Nuclear Assets
540 Spare
550 Harassment
560 Geographic Positioning of Own Forces
570 Positioning of Own Forces Relative to Other Elements
580 Use of Covert Actions
590 Conduct of Weapons Training in the Presence of Potential Enemy Forces
600 Use of Particular Weapon Platforms or Systems
610 Positive Identification
620 Electronic Deception, Decoy Measures and Jamming
630 Illumination
640 Buzzing by Aircraft and Simulated Attack
650 Action against Sub-Surface Contacts Suspected of being Submarine
660 Warnings and Diversions
670 Release from Occupation or Detention
680 Detention, Arrest or Seizure of Equipment, Cargoes or Personnel
690 Searching
700 Boarding
710 Interference with Fishing Activities
720 Land Barrier and Obstacle Preparation
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500 USE OF PUBLIC ORDER CONTROL EQUIPMENT (1) (2) (3)
A. The deployment of Public Order Control equipment is prohibited.
B. Service personnel equipped with [Designated equipment] for the conduct of Public Order
Control may be held in reserve. Use may be authorised by the [Designated authority]. (3)
C. Service personnel may be deployed for the conduct of Public Order Control. The following
[Designated equipment] may be employed. (3)
Notes:
1. Guidance on the use of Public Order Control equipment is contained in Cards D, E and F.
2. This rule may be invoked in circumstances which include maintenance of security of

designated service establishments or other military facilities, or to support Military Aid to the Civil
Power (MACP), or to assist in crowd control for NEO scenarios.
3. Public Order Control equipment can include:
(1) batons.
(2) riot control clothing (shields, helmets, and overalls).
(3) baton rounds.
(4) Public Order Control agents including CS smoke.
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510 CARRIAGE AND USE OF PERSONAL WEAPONS (1) (2) (3) (4)
A. Carriage of personal weapons and live ammunition by service personnel is prohibited. (1)
B. Commanders may authorise service personnel to carry personal weapons and may authorise
service personnel to carry live ammunition but weapons may not be loaded unless there is a specific
threat. (2) (4)
C. Commanders may authorise service personnel to carry personal weapons and may authorise
service personnel to carry live ammunition and weapons may be loaded. (2) (4)
Notes:
1. A commander may authorise the issue of weapons and live ammunition if he has to react to a
substantive or imminent threat or incident, within his/her area of responsibility, which is likely to
endanger life, and there is no time to seek prior authority. In such a case MOD is to be advised of
the incident as soon as possible.
2. The circumstances under which service personnel may open fire are contained in Cards A
and G (reproduced at Annex D).
3. Additional rules for use of weapons by Prisoner of War (POW) guards are contained in JSP
3919.
4. The integrity of property that is essential for the safety of an individual or safety of others
may be protected by the use of lethal force. Such property is, wherever possible, to be identified in
the ROE profile.
9
. This document is currently under re-draft (May 99) as JWP 1-10
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520 USE OF FORCE (1)
A. Use of force against elements10 which are committing a hostile act against own or
[Designated elements] is prohibited, except in self-defence. Wherever possible efforts should first
be made to pass a warning that if the hostile act is continued armed force will be used in return.
B. Use of force against elements which are committing a hostile act against own or [Designated
elements] is permitted.
C. Use of force against elements which have been committing a hostile act against own or
[Designated elements] is permitted.
D. Use of force against elements demonstrating hostile intent is permitted. (Additional

qualifications by area or action to define hostile intent, to be included).
E. [Designated Commanders] are delegated authority to judge whether an attack against own or
[Designated elements] is the first in a series of attacks and, in this event, attack on all elements
which constitute an immediate threat is permitted.
F. Attack on [Designated elements] detected within [Designated range] of [Designated

elements] or within [Designated geographic area(s)] or in [Designated circumstances] is permitted.
Note:
1. This rule does not constrain individual service personnel or elements' inherent right of self-
defence.
10
. In this context elements also include units (see definitions in Annex A).
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530 CARRIAGE AND USE OF BATONS OR PERSONAL WEAPONS TO PROTECT

SPECIFIED NUCLEAR ASSETS (1) (2) (3)
A. Carriage of personal weapons and live ammunition by service personnel is prohibited. (3)
B. Commanders may authorise service personnel to carry and use batons. (3) (4) (5)
C. Commanders may authorise service personnel to carry personal weapons and may authorise
service personnel to carry live ammunition but weapons may not be loaded unless there is a specific
threat. (5) (6)
D. Commanders may authorise service personnel to carry personal weapons and may authorise
service personnel to carry live ammunition and weapons may be loaded. (5) (6)
Notes:
1. This Rule is only to be issued in specific circumstances and following consultation with the
Crown Law Officers.
2. The nuclear assets to be protected are to be clearly specified when requesting this ROE. If
this ROE is sanctioned, commanders are to ensure that personnel operating under it are clearly
briefed as to which specified nuclear assets it applies.
3. A commander may authorise the issue of batons, and/or weapons and live ammunition if he
has to react to a substantive or imminent threat or incident, within his/her area of responsibility,
which is likely to endanger life, and there is no time to seek prior authority. In such a case MOD is
to be advised of the incident as soon as possible.
4. The circumstances under which service personnel may use batons are contained in Card F
(reproduced at Annex D).
5. The integrity of property that is essential for the safety of an individual or safety of others
may be protected by the use of lethal force. Such property is, wherever possible, to be identified in
the ROE profile.
6. The circumstances under which service personnel may open fire are contained in Card G
(reproduced at Annex D).
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540 SPARE
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550 HARASSMENT
A. Any action that might reasonably be construed as harassment is prohibited.
B. Harassment is prohibited.
C. Screening of a [Designated element11 or installation] from harassment by physical

intervention of another friendly unit is permitted.
D. Counter harassment of a harassing element to a similar extent and to a similar degree to that
experienced by any [Designated element] is permitted.
E. Counter harassment of [Designated element], which is engaged in harassment of own or

[Designated element], is permitted.
F. First use of harassment that does not result in physical damage is authorised.
G. First use of harassment that may result in physical damage is authorised.
.
11
In this context elements also include units (see definitions in Annex A).
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560 GEOGRAPHIC POSITIONING OF OWN FORCES (1)
A. Current peacetime rules governing movement and geographic positioning of own forces
apply except that entry into [Designated geographic area or airspace] is prohibited (2).
B. Current peacetime rules governing movement and geographic positioning of own forces
apply (2).
C. Entry into [Designated geographic area or airspace] is only permitted to conduct [Designated
activities].
D. Entry into [Designated geographic area or airspace] is permitted.
Notes:
1. Current peacetime rules for the UK are laid down in the CONFIDENTIAL Fleet Operations
Orders (FLOO) Vol IV.
2. Entry and positioning includes insertion of forces landed from sea or by air.
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570 POSITIONING OF OWN FORCES RELATIVE TO OTHER ELEMENTS
A. Standard approach limitations governing positioning of own forces relative to other units of
[Designated nations], as detailed below, apply:
OTHER
FORCE
ELEMENT MAJOR MINOR DIVED S/M HELO FW AIR LAND FOR
VESSEL (7) VESSEL
OWN (7)
FORCE
ELEMENT
CVS/LPH/LPD
500 yds 500 yds 1000 yds N/A N/A N/A
DD/FF
500 yds 500 yds 1000 yds N/A N/A N/A
DIVED S/M 1000 yds 500 yds (8) 1000 yds N/A N/A N/A
HELO (2) (3) (4)

200 yds 200 yds 500 yds (6) 250 yds 500 yds 250 ft MSD
250 ft MSD 250 ft MSD
FW AIR (2) (3)
(4) 5 nm 2 nm N/A 500 yds 1000 yds 250 ft MSD
2000 ft MSD 2000 ft MSD lateral
(1) (1) 1000 ft
vertical
(5)
The purpose of this table is to define the minimum approach limitations so that a Joint Force
Commander is aware of the base line to which his forces are operating. Detailed changes can be
requested by ROEREQ. Single-Service operating rules may impose greater restrictions on
elements12 to take account of weather conditions and operational factors.
B. [Designated units] may approach [Designated elements] to within [Designated distances].
Notes:
1. As directed by JSP 318
2. In this context, buzzing of a ship is to be carried out with the condition that no ship is to be
overflown below 250ft and no more than two passes are to be made.
3. For shipborne, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters the following constraints apply:
a. Launch/recovery of fixed wing aircraft and/or helicopters is to occur no closer to the

target than the minimum (500/1000 yards) approach distance authorised for the parent ship.
.
12
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b. After launch, before closing the target, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are to
climb to 250 ft.
c. Prior to recovery, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are not to descend below 250 ft,
until the horizontal distance from the target exceeds the 500/1000 yards minimum approach
distance authorised for the parent ship.
4. ACAS/9/6 dated 24 Mar 87 – Instructions for Maritime Surveillance/Reconnaissance

Operations specifies the distances and heights further as follows:
a. Direct overflight of any vessel below 2000 ft is not authorised, and any overflight is
limited to 2 passes.
b. Aircraft are to break contact as soon as the task of location and identification is
completed and are not to approach closer than:
Helos - 200 yds, 250 ft
MPA, PR, AT/AAR - 500 yds, 400 ft
FJ 1000yds, 500 ft
5. The authorised air commander may approve AD aircraft to close another fixed wing aircraft
to the following distances to complete a visual identification:
a. By day, 200 feet
b. By night or under instrumented meteorological conditions, 600 feet.
6. ASW Helicopters may not dip within 500 yards of a dived submarine.
7. Major vessels are designated as, FF/DD sized units and above, and surfaced submarines.
8. This limit also applies when approaching any non-combatant vessel.
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580 USE OF COVERT ACTIONS (1)
A. Use of covert actions in [Designated area(s)] is prohibited.
B. Use of covert actions in [Designated area(s)] during training and exercises is permitted.
C. Use of covert actions for operations in [Designated area(s)] is permitted; if detected, units are
to [Designated actions].
Note:
1. Unless specified, restrictions on covert actions do not preclude a submarine from transiting
submerged on routine transits.
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590 CONDUCT OF WEAPONS TRAINING IN THE PRESENCE OF POTENTIAL

ENEMY FORCES (1), (2)
A. [Designated activity] (3) in the presence of [Designated units] or other elements is prohibited.
B. [Designated activity] (3) for training or exercises in notified areas in presence of, but not
towards, [Designated units or other elements] is permitted.
C. [Designated activity] (3) in the presence of, and towards, [Designated units or other
elements] is permitted.
Notes:
1. The purpose of this rule is to allow, under varying degrees of control, units to use their
weapon systems to conduct routine training and exercises in order to maintain and enhance their
operational capability, in the presence of potential enemy forces.
2. Nothing in this rule is intended to restrict further those permissions related to the actual use
of weapons given under other rules (i.e. 510, 520, 660).
3. Designated activities in this rule may include activities such as:
(1) Energising Fire Control Radars.

(2) Movement of Armament.
(3) Display of Small Arms.
(4) Firing Weapons including Small Arms.
(5) Dropping Ordnance.
(6) Operating Helicopters and Fixed Wing Aircraft.
(7) ECM Equipment
(8) Laser Target Markers
(9) Other (to be specified)
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600 USE OF PARTICULAR WEAPON PLATFORMS OR SYSTEMS (1) (2) (3) (4)
A. [Designated instructions] cover the use of [Designated weapons, systems or platforms].
Notes:
1. The intent of this rule is to provide additional instruction to commanders on the use of
weapons systems.
2. This rule also covers the carriage and use of specialist pyrotechnics.
3. This rule can be used to control:
a. Use of RN fire control radars for height finding.
b. Restrictions on indirect fire.
4. This rule also covers the use of support weapons This covers a range of crew served weapons
such as mortars, heavy machine guns, helicopter cabin-mounted machine guns, MILAN etc that may
be deployed by units.
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610 POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION (1)
A. Positive identification is to be established visually. (2) (3)
B. Positive identification is to be established visually or by at least two of the following means:

IFF (or other systems requiring a positive response from the unidentified unit), electronic warfare
support measures, track behaviour, flight plan correlation, thermal imaging, acoustic intelligence,
geo-location, intelligence, or other secure active/passive systems, including those from an off-board
source, that do not require a positive response from the unidentified target. (3) (4)
C. Positive identification is to be established visually or by one or more of the following means:

IFF (or other systems requiring a positive response from the unidentified unit), electronic warfare
support measures, track behaviour, flight plan correlation, thermal imaging, acoustic intelligence,
geo-location, intelligence, or other secure active/passive systems, including those from an off-board
source, that do not require a positive response from the unidentified target. (3) (4)
Notes:
1. Visual includes use of electro-optics.
2. The maritime criterion for identification is Certain Identification by a competent

observer.
3. When multi-national operations are under consideration, there will be a need to establish the
circumstances under which identification may be confirmed by non-UK sources.
4. Off-board sources are those such as JSTARS (and ASTOR in the future), UAVs, satellites,
and reconnaissance aircraft. The acceptable standard of imagery would be stipulated within the
targeting directive.
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620 ELECTRONIC DECEPTION, DECOY MEASURES AND JAMMING
A. Electronic deception, decoy measures and jamming are prohibited.
B. Electronic deception or decoy measures, which do not deny sensor information, are
permitted.
C. [Designated electronic equipments] may be jammed.
D. All means of electronic tactical deception, decoy measures and jamming are permitted.
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630 ILLUMINATION
A. Illumination of a contact by any method is prohibited.
B. [Designated systems] may be used to illuminate contacts [subject to designated restrictions].
C. All forms of illumination of contacts are permitted.
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640 BUZZING BY AIRCRAFT AND SIMULATED ATTACK
A. Buzzing by aircraft or simulated attack by any unit is prohibited.
B. Buzzing by aircraft in [Designated area(s)] and/or of [Designated targets] is permitted.
C. Simulated attack by [Designated unit] against [Designated target(s)] is permitted.
D. Buzzing by aircraft or simulated attack by any unit is permitted.
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650 ACTION AGAINST SUB-SURFACE CONTACTS SUSPECTED OF BEING

SUBMARINES
A. Tracking of [Designated] sub-surface contacts suspected of being submarines within

[Designated area(s)] with [Designated] platform sensors is prohibited.
B. Tracking of [Designated] sub-surface contacts suspected of being submarines within

[Designated area(s)] with [Designated] platform sensors is permitted.
C. [Designated actions] against [Designated] sub-surface contacts suspected of being submarines

within [Designated area(s)] or [Designated] range of [Designated element(s)] is authorised.
D. Attack on [Designated] sub-surface contacts suspected of being submarines within

[Designated area(s)] following [Designated] warning broadcast on under water telephone and
[Designated] radio channels is permitted.
E. Attack on [Designated] sub-surface contacts suspected of being submarines within

[Designated area(s)] is permitted.
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660 WARNINGS AND DIVERSIONS (1) (2)
A. Warning or the issue of diversion instructions is prohibited.
B. Advising [Designated elements13] to avoid [Designated area or activity] is permitted.
C. Intervention of [Designated elements] is permitted.
D. Warning by [Designated actions] of [Designated elements] is permitted. (3) (4)
E. Escorting [Designated elements] out of [Designated areas] is permitted.
F. Firing of warning shots in the vicinity of [Designated elements] is permitted. (3)
G. Enforcing [Designated restrictions] or diversion by [Designated means] is permitted. (3)
Notes:
1. When used in relation to embargo operations a number of other rules may be applicable. In
particular Rules 510, 520, 590, 680 and 700 will need to be considered.
2. When firing or dropping ordnance for warning purposes, damage to targets is prohibited.
3. The degree of force that may be used will be indicated by other rules. See also Introduction
and para 5.
4. Designated actions may include:
(1) verbal warning;

(2) display of personal weapons;
(3) movement of armaments;
(4) energising Fire Control Radars.
(5) use of internationally recognised/accepted signals.
.
13
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670 RELEASE FROM OCCUPATION OR DETENTION (1)
A. Action to secure the release of personnel, vessels, aircraft or installations following their
detention or occupation is prohibited, unless there is a clear and imminent threat to human life.
B. Action to secure the release of [Designated personnel, vessels, aircraft or installations] in

[Designated geographic area(s)] following their detention or occupation is permitted.
Note:
1. The level of and circumstances in which, force may be applied will be determined by other
Rules.
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680 DETENTION, ARREST OR SEIZURE OF EQUIPMENT, CARGOES OR

PERSONNEL (1) (2)
A. Detention, arrest or seizure of [ship(s), aircraft, vehicles, personnel or equipment] is

prohibited.
B. Temporary detention of [Designated ship(s), aircraft, vehicles or personnel] is permitted. (3)
C. Seizure of [Designated cargo or contraband or equipment] is permitted.
D. Damage to, or destruction of [Designated cargo or contraband or equipment], is permitted.
E. Arrest of [Designated personnel] is permitted.
F. Detention of [Designated ship(s), aircraft, vehicles and crew] is permitted.
G. If interfered with or harassed threats to scuttle/destroy ships; aircraft or vehicles in custody

are permitted.
H. If interference or harassment persists; scuttling/destruction of ships, aircraft or vehicles in

custody is permitted.
I. If not practicable to arrest or seize [Designated ship(s)] or damage [Designated cargo,

contraband or equipment], destruction or scuttling of a ship, aircraft or vehicles is permitted.
Notes:
1. Separate amplifying instructions will be issued laying down actions to be taken following
seizure of vessel, cargo or equipment.
2. Level of force to be used is governed by Rules 500, 510 and 520.
3. Where clarification is required a specified period of time is to be included.
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690 SEARCHING (1) (2)
A. Searching of all personnel, ships, aircraft and vehicles is prohibited.
B. Searching of [Designated elements14] in [Designated circumstances] is permitted with

consent. (1)
C. Searching of [Designated elements] in [Designated circumstances] is permitted, even without

consent. (2)
Notes:
1. Amplifying instructions on searching procedures will be issued separately.
2. The level of and circumstances in which, force may be applied will be determined by other
Rules.
.
14
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700 BOARDING (1) (2) (3)
A. Boarding of all ships is prohibited.
B. The compliant boarding of [Designated elements15] in [Designated circumstances] is

permitted. (1)
C. The non-compliant boarding of [Designated elements] in [Designated circumstances] is

permitted. (1)
D. The opposed boarding of [Designated elements] in [Designated circumstances] is permitted.
Notes:
1. Separate amplifying instructions will be issued laying down the purpose of boarding.
2. If weather does not permit boarding, designated units or other elements may be directed to
the closest suitable shelter or designated harbour.
3. Commanding Officers are to be aware of and refer to the rules in BR 3012 relating to
stopping and boarding vessels on the high seas.
.
15
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710 INTERFERENCE WITH FISHING ACTIVITIES
A. Interference with fishing activities is prohibited.
B. Interference with [Designated] fishing activities without causing damage to fishing vessels,
trawls or nets is permitted.
C. As a last resort, use of non-disabling fire [with Designated weapons/systems] is permitted

against [Designated] fishing activities, provided that a warning is given, danger to life is minimised
by directing fire away from areas known to be occupied, and it would not cause the offending vessel
to sink.
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720 LAND BARRIER AND OBSTACLE PREPARATION
A. Preparation of barriers and obstacles is prohibited.
B. Preparation of booby traps is prohibited.
C. Preparation of non-explosive obstacles is permitted.
D. Preparation of booby traps is permitted.
E. Preparation of demolitions in [Designated area] is permitted.
F. Laying of [Designated mines] in [Designated area] is permitted.
G. Firing of demolitions in [Designated area] is permitted.
H. Use of remotely delivered mine systems is permitted.
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ANNEX C - FORMAT FOR MESSAGES
1. ROE messages for requesting (ROEREQ) or authorising (ROEAUTH) will consist of the
following and in the order given. Paragraph numbers are not signalled. Rules should be listed in
tabular form.
a. Classification.
b. SIC: JEE/……… (the authorised operation SIC to be included)
c. OPERATION …. (the operation codeword or identifying task).
d. MSGID/ROEREQ or ROEAUTH and Serial No …… (prefix ‘Dormant’ if required).
e. REFERENCE: A. JSP 398.
f. AREA/TIME ……..
g. PPI/XRAY, YANKEE or ZULU (ROEAUTH only).
h. AMPLIFICATION ……. (to include expansion of political policy in ROEAUTH,

reasons for Request in ROEREQ; or any other amplifying information as required such as
extra guidance on Hostile Act and/or Hostile Intent.
i. ROEREQ or ROEAUTH …… (prefix ‘Dormant’ if required) (ROEREQ) to list those

rules being requested plus amplification (see para h above), ROEAUTH to list new rules
approved and resulting complete profile).
2. ROEAUTH messages are to be transmitted as follows:
From: MODUK
To: Operational Commander.
Info: Appropriate Service Commanders.
3. ROEREQ messages are to be transmitted by units through Single-Service or Joint Military

Chain of Command as appropriate. MODUK, MODUK NAVY, MODUK ARMY, MODUK AIR,
as appropriate, are to be Information addressees on messages where the Operational Commander is
the Action addressee.
4. NEO messages are to be transmitted through the PJHQ ROEAUTH Cell.
Appendices
1. Example of ROE Authorisation Message.

2. Example of ROE Request Message.
3. Example of Rules to be Incorporated into ROE Profile to Cover Maritime Embargo
Operations.
4. Example of Rules to be incorporated into ROE Profile to Support NEO.
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APPENDIX C1 - EXAMPLE OF ROE AUTHORISATION (ROEAUTH) MESSAGE
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL (or above)
DTG: [Z]
FROM: MODUK
TO: PJHQ UK
INFO: JFMCC
JFACC
SIC JEE
OPERATION BEDFORD
MSGID/PJHQ ROEAUTH BEDFORD 002

REF/A/JSP 398(2000)
B/ MODUK 250900Z OP BEDFORD ROEAUTH 001
THIS ROE PROFILE SUPERSEDES REF B.
AREA/SOVEREIGN TERRITORY, AIRSPACE AND TERRITORIAL WATERS OF ANSONIA

AND TIRADINIA AND INTERNATIONAL WATERS AND AIR SPACE BOUNDED BY
LATITUDES 25N-42N AND LONGITUDES 020W-040W
PPI/YANKEE
AMPLIFICATION/
THE UK SUPPORTS ANSONIA’S DESIRE TO MAINTAIN HER POLITICAL

INDEPENDENCE AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY WITHIN THE NEW HIBERNIAN
REGION. THE UK IS ENCOURAGING A DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION OF THE CURRENT
DISPUTE OVER THE ISLANDS OF ISLAY AND JURA.
THIS PROFILE ENHANCES THE ABILITY OF UK FORCES TO DEFEND THEMSELVES

AND ANSONIA FROM TIRADINIAN AGGRESSION SHOULD THIS OCCUR. THE MAIN
THRUST OF UK EFFORT REMAINS FOCUSSED ON THE DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO
RESOLVE THE CRISIS.
NOTHING IN THIS ROE PROFILE RESTRICTS THE ABILITY OF COMMANDERS TO USE

FORCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INHERENT RIGHT OF SELF DEFENCE.
COMPLETE PROFILE/
FIVE TEN CHARLIE

COMMANDERS MAY AUTHORISE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO CARRY PERSONAL
WEAPONS AND MAY AUTHORISE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO CARRY LIVE
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AMMUNITION AND WEAPONS MAY BE LOADED. THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER

WHICH SERVICEMEN MAY OPEN FIRE WILL BE GOVERNED BY CARD A.
FIVE TWENTY CHARLIE

USE OF ARMED FORCE AGAINST ELEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN COMMITTING A
HOSTILE ACT AGAINST OWN OR ANSONIAN UNITS IS PERMITTED. (SEE NOTES)
NOTES:
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE DEFINED AS HOSTILE ACTS:
A. TIRADINIAN HELICOPTERS IDENTIFIED WITHIN ANSONIAN TERRITORIAL

AIRSPACE.
B. TIRADINIAN AMPHIBIOUS FORCES WHO PENETRATE ANSONIAN TERRITORIAL

WATERS AND CONTINUE TO CLOSE THE COAST MAY BE ENGAGED AT 6 MILES
FROM THE COAST IF AN AIRBORNE ASSAULT HAS ALREADY OCCURED.
C. TIRADINIAN ARMED LAND FORCES WHO PENETRATE ANSONIAN TERRITORY.
FIVE FIFTY BRAVO

HARRASSMENT IS PROHIBITED
FIVE SIXTY ALFA

CURRENT PEACETIME RULES GOVERNING MOVEMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC
POSITIONING OF OWN FORCES APPLY EXCEPT THAT ENTRY INTO TIRADINIAN
SOVERIGN TERRITORY, AIRSPACE AND TERRITORIAL WATERS IS PROHIBITED.
FIVE SIXTY CHARLIE (SUBMARINES)

ENTRY INTO TIRADINIAN TERRITORIAL WATERS IS ONLY PERMITTED BY
SUBMARINES TO CONDUCT I&W SURVEILLANCE.
FIVE SEVENTY ALFA

STANDARD APPROACH LIMITATIONS GOVERNING POSITIONING OF OWN FORCES
RELATIVE TO OTHER NATIONAL UNITS AS DETAILED IN JSP398 (2000) RULE 570,
APPLY.
FIVE SEVENTY BRAVO (SUBMARINES)

THERE ARE NO APPROACH LIMITATIONS BETWEEN SUBMARINES AND TIRADINIAN
UNITS.
FIVE EIGHTY CHARLIE

USE OF COVERT ACTIONS FOR OPERATIONS WITHIN THE BEDFORD AOR
(EXCLUDING TIRADINIAN SOVERIGN TERRITORY, AIRSPACE AND TERRITORIAL
WATERS) IS PERMITTED. IF DETECTED, UNITS ARE TO WITHDRAW.
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FIVE NINETY CHARLIE

THE CONDUCT OF TRAINING, INCLUDING DESIGNATED ACTIVITIES (1) TO (3) AND
(6), IN THE PRESENCE OF, BUT NOT TOWARDS TIRADINIAN ELEMENTS IS
PERMITTED.
SIX HUNDRED ALFA

THE USE OF ALL SUPPORT WEAPON SYSTEMS IS AUTHORISED.
SIX TEN BRAVO

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION IS TO BE ESTABLISHED VISUALLY OR BY AT LEAST TWO
OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS: IFF (OR OTHER SYSTEMS REQUIRING A POSITIVE
RESPONSE FROM THE UNIDENTIFIED UNIT) ELECTRONIC WARFARE SUPPORT
MEASURES, TRACK BEHAVIOUR, FLIGHT PLAN CORRELATION, THERMAL IMAGING,
ACOUSTIC INTELLIGENCE, GEO-LOCATION, INTELLIGENCE OR OTHER SECURE
ACTIVE/PASSIVE SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM
THE UNIDENTIFIED TARGET.
SIX TWENTY ALFA

ELECTRONIC DECEPTION, DECOY MEASURES AND JAMMING ARE PROHIBITED.
SIX THIRTY CHARLIE

ALL FORMS OF ILLUMINATION OF TARGETS ARE PERMITTED.
SIX FORTY ALFA

BUZZING BY AIRCRAFT OR SIMULATED ATTACK BY ANY UNIT IS PROHIBITED.
SIX FIFTY BRAVO

TRACKING SUBMARINE CONTACTS WITHIN THE ROE AREA WITH PASSIVE SENSORS
IS PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY DELTA

WARNING BY DESIGNATED ACTIONS (1) TO (5) OF TIRADINIAN ELEMENTS IS
PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY FOXTROT

FIRING OF WARNING SHOTS IN THE VICINITY OF TIRADINIAN ELEMENTS IS
PERMITTED.
SIX SEVENTY ALFA

ACTION TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF PERSONNEL, VESSELS, AIRCRAFT OR
INSTALLATIONS FOLLOWING THEIR DETENTION OR OCCUPATION IS PROHIBITED,
UNLESS THERE IS A CLEAR AND IMMINENT THREAT TO HUMAN LIFE.
SIX EIGHTY ALFA

DETENTION, ARREST OR SEIZURE OF SHIPS, AIRCRAFT, OR VEHICLES, PERSONNEL
OR EQUIPMENT IS PROHIBITED.
SEVEN HUNDRED ALFA

BOARDING OF ALL SHIPS IS PROHIBITED.
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APPENDIX C2 - EXAMPLE OF ROE REQUEST (ROEREQ) MESSAGE
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL (or above)
DTG: [ Z]
FROM: JTFHQ
TO: PJHQ
INFO: JFMCC
JFACC
JFLCC
SFCC/LOGS
OPERATION BEDFORD
MSGID/JTFHQ ROEREQ BEDFORD 001
REF/A. PJHQUK JEE 30XXXXXOCT99 (PJHQ ROEAUTH BEDFORD 002)
1. FOLLOWING CHANGES TO REF A ARE REQUESTED:
FIVE FIFTY CHARLIE (LAND)

SCREENING OF ROAD CONVOYS RESUPPLYING UK FORCES FROM HARRASSMENT BY
PHYSICAL INTERVENTION OF ANOTHER FRIENDLY UNIT IS PERMITTED.
JUSTIFICATION
ROAD CONVOYS DELIVERING FOOD AND STORES ARE SUFFERING SIGNIFICANT
HARRASSMENT FROM GROUPS FRIENDLY TO TIRADINIAN CAUSE. IN WORST CASE
VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RUN OFF THE ROAD AND STORES LOOTED. JTFC INTENTION
IS TO PROVIDE ESCORT TO CONVOYS TASKED TO INTERPOSE BETWEEN LORRIES
AND THREATENING UNITS. SWIFT AND OBVIOUS ACTION TO DEMONSTRATE
INTENT TO PROTECT ROAD TRAIN IS ASSESSED TO BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT
ESCALATION.
MILITARY PENALTY IF RULE NOT APPROVED

CONTINUING LOSS OF STORES WHICH MAY INCLUDE MATERIALS USEFUL TO A
POTENTIAL ENEMY INCLUDING GUNS AND AMMUNITION. CIVIL DRIVERS ARE
THREATENING TO WITHDRAW SUPPORT COMPLETELY IF PROTECTION IS NOT
GIVEN. FAILURE TO CONTAIN THIS PROBLEM IS LIKELY TO LEAD TO
DETERIORATING SITUATION INCLUDING REQUIREMENT TO USE LETHAL FORCE IN
SELF DEFENCE AGAINST THESE ELEMENTS.
SIX TWENTY BRAVO

ELECTRONIC DECEPTION OR DECOY MEASURES, WHICH DO NOT DENY SENSOR
INFORMATION, ARE PERMITTED.
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JUSTIFICATION
JTFC C2W DECEPTION PLAN IS TO DISGUISE MOVE OF KEY HQ BY UTILISING
MOBILE TEAMS EQUIPPED TO SIMULATE BDE LEVEL USE OF EM SPECTRUM FROM
PRESENT LOCATION. FOR THIS TO BE SUCCESSFUL A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF
DECOY MEASURES BACKED BY APPROPRIATE RADIO DECEPTION MUST BE
DEPLOYED.
MILITARY PENALTY IF RULE NOT APPROVED

DECEPTION PLAN WILL FAIL WHICH MEANS LOCATION OF UK HQ WILL CONTINUE
TO BE FIXED BY POTENTIAL ENEMY.
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APPENDIX C3 -EXAMPLE OF RULES TO BE INCORPORATED INTO

ROE PROFILE TO COVER MARITIME EMBARGO OPERATIONS
FIVE TWENTY FOXTROT

ATTACK ON MERCHANT VESSELS SUSPECTED OF ATTEMPTING TO BREAK THE
EMBARGO IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 660 F AND 660 G IS PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY BRAVO (MARITIME INTERCEPTION OPERATIONS)

ADVISING MERCHANT SHIPS THAT ENTRY INTO DESIGNATED AREA MAKE THEM
LIABLE TO SEARCH UNDER TERMS OF UNSCR XXXX IS PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY FOXTROT

FIRING OF WARNING SHOTS IN THE VICINTY OF MERCHANT VESSELS (SHOT ACROSS
THE BOW) TO AUGMENT VERBAL WARNINGS IS PERMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
NOTES.
NOTES.
1. ACTION UNDER THIS RULE MUST BE AUTHORISED BY THE JOINT TASK FORCE
COMMANDER.
2. EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE BY ALL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO PASS

THE WARNING AND THE INTERCEPTED VESSEL MUST BE GIVEN EVERY
OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO OPENING FIRE.
3. SHOULD PEACEFUL PERSUASION FAIL, THEN WARNING ACTION MAY, SUBJECT TO

JTFC AUTHORITY, BE ORDERED IN THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE:
A. FIRE A SHOT ACROSS THE BOW TO FALL NOT CLOSER THAN 300 YARDS
FROM THE TARGET.
B. FIRE A SHOT ACROSS THE BOW TO FALL NOT CLOSER THAN 100 YARDS
FROM THE TARGET.
C. DROP A MARK 11 DEPTH CHARGE TO DETONATE NOT CLOSER THAN 100

YARDS FROM THE TARGET.
4. CALIBRE OF GUN TO BE USED FOR FIRING WARNING SHOTS IS AT THE

DISCRETION OF COMMANDING OFFICERS WHO MUST BALANCE REQUIREMENTS OF
SAFETY AGAINST NEED TO MAKE CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF INTENT.
SIX SIXTY GOLF (MARITIME INTERCEPTION OPERATIONS)

ENFORCING THE EMBARGO BY FORCE IS PERMITTED.
NOTES
1. IF WARNING ACTIONS PRESCRIBED IN RULE 660F (MIOPS) FAIL TO ACHIEVE

COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS MOD MAY AUTHORISE THE USE OF AIMED FIRE.
FIRE IS TO BE DIRECTED AT THE FUNNEL OR OTHER UNOCCUPIED STRUCTURE
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INCURRING THE LEAST RISK OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE OR DANGER TO

PERSONNEL. THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE IS TO BE USED:
A. SINGLE SHOT PRACTICE/TRACER OR NON EXPLOSIVE AMMUNITION
B. BURST FIRE PRACTICE/TRACER OR NON EXPLOSIVE AMMUNITION
C. SINGLE SHOT HE/TRACER (MAX CALIBRE 30MM)
D. BURST FIRE HE/TRACER (MAX CALIBRE 30MM)
E. SINGLE SHOT 4.5 INCH
2. AT ANY STAGE BOARDING IS PERMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE SEVEN

HUNDRED BELOW IF JUDGED PRACTICAL AND SAFE.
3. CLEAR WARNING MUST BE GIVEN PRIOR TO EACH OCCASION OF OPENING FIRE

AND SUFFICIENT TIME ALLOWED TO ENSURE THAT PERSONNEL HAVE TIME TO
CLEAR THE AREA WHICH IS TO BE ENGAGED.
4. IF NON DESTRUCTIVE FIRE FAILS TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE THEN MOD MAY
APPPROVE AIMED FIRE AT THE BRIDGE.
SIX EIGHTY BRAVO

TEMPORARY DETENTION OF EMBARGO BREAKING MERCHANT VESSELS IS
PERMITTED.
SIX NINETY BRAVO

SEARCHING OF VESSELS SUSPECTED OF EMBARGO BREAKING IS PERMITTED WITH
CONSENT.
SEVEN HUNDRED BRAVO

BOARDING OF VESSELS SUSPECTED OF EMBARGO BREAKING IS PERMITTED WITH
CONSENT.
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APPENDIX C4 - EXAMPLE OF RULES TO BE INCORPORATED INTO

ROE PROFILE TO SUPPORT NEO
OP HELPMATE
MSGID/PJHQ ROEAUTH HELPMATE 001

REF A JSP 398 (2000)
AREA: TERRITORY, AIRSPACE AND TERRITORIAL WATERS OF ORANGE
PPI/ XRAY
AMPLIFICATION
1. UK OBJECTIVE IS THE SAFE EVACUATION OF UK NATIONALS AND OTHER

CITIZENS FOR WHOM UK HAS ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FROM ORANGE TO
GREEN.
2. THE INHERENT RIGHT OF SELF DEFENCE IS NOT AFFECTED BY ANY OF THESE

RULES.
COMPLETE PROFILE
FIVE HUNDRED CHARLIE

SERVICEMEN MAY BE DEPLOYED FOR THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC ORDER CONTROL.
THE FOLLOWING MEASURES MAY BE EMPLOYED: CS SMOKE, STICKS OR
TRUNCHEONS, RIOT CONTROL CLOTHING, BATON ROUNDS. USE OF PUBLIC ORDER
CONTROL EQUIPMENT IS TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH JSP 398 CARDS D AND E.
FIVE TEN CHARLIE

COMMANDERS MAY AUTHORISE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO CARRY PERSONAL
WEAPONS AND MAY AUTHORISE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO CARRY LIVE
AMMUNITION AND WEAPONS MAY BE LOADED. THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER
WHICH PERSONNEL MAY OPEN FIRE ARE CONTAINED IN JSP 398 CARD A.
NOTES:
1. SERVICEMEN MAY ALSO OPEN FIRE TO PROTECT EQUIPMENTS DIRECTLY

INVOLVED IN OP HELPMATE AND ASSESSED BY THE COMMANDER TO BE MISSION
ESSENTIAL. OPENING FIRE IS THE LAST RESORT WHEN THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE
TO OR LOSS OF THE EQUIPMENTS IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER LIFE AND THERE IS NO
OTHER WAY TO PREVENT IT.
2. EQUIPMENT DESIGNATED AS MISSION ESSENTIAL IN CARD A RULE 5a(3) ARE

ARMS AND AMMUNITION, RADIO EQUIPMENT, AND BOATS AND HELICOPTERS
BEING USED FOR EVACUATION PURPOSES.
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FIVE TWENTY ALFA

USE OF ARMED FORCE AGAINST ELEMENTS WHICH ARE COMMITTING A HOSTILE
ACT AGAINST OWN FORCES IS PROHIBITED, EXCEPT IN SELF DEFENCE. WHEREVER
POSSIBLE EFFORTS SHOULD FIRST BE MADE TO PASS A WARNING THAT IF HOSTILE
ACTS ARE CONTINUED ARMED FORCE WILL BE USED IN RETURN.
FIVE FIFTY BRAVO

HARRASSMENT IS PROHIBITED.
FIVE SIXTY CHARLIE

ENTRY INTO ORANGE IS ONLY PERMITTED TO CONDUCT OP HELPMATE.
FIVE SEVENTY ALFA (MARITIME AND AIR)

STANDARD APPROACH LIMITATIONS GOVERNING POSITIONING OF OWN MARITIME
AND AIR FORCES RELATIVE TO OTHER NATIONAL UNITS AS DETAILED IN JSP 398
APPLY
FIVE SEVENTY BRAVO (LAND)

THERE ARE NO APPROACH LIMITATIONS BETWEEN HELPMATE LAND FORCES AND
ORANGE ELEMENTS WITHIN ORANGE
FIVE EIGHTY ALFA

USE OF COVERT ACTIONS IN ORANGE IS PROHIBITED.
SIX HUNDRED ALFA

THE USE OF INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS SYSTEMS MAY BE AUTHORISED BY THE
UNIT BATTLEGROUP/BATTALION OR OTHER DESIGNATED GROUP COMMANDER
SIX TEN ALFA

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION IS TO BE ESTABLISHED VISUALLY
SIX THIRTY BRAVO

DIRECTIONAL LIGHT MAY BE USED TO ILLUMINATE TARGETS.
SIX FORTY BRAVO

BUZZING BY HELICOPTERS IN ORANGE TO CONTROL CROWDS OR DOMINATE A
SITUATION IS PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY DELTA

WARNING BY DESIGNATED ACTIONS (1) TO (5) OF ORANGE ELEMENTS IS
PERMITTED.
SIX SIXTY FOXTROT

FIRING OF WARNING SHOTS IN THE VICINITY OF ORANGE ELEMENTS IS PERMITTED.
NOTES:
1. EVERY EFFORT IS TO BE MADE TO PASS CLEAR VERBAL WARNING.
2. WEAPON USED IS TO BE OF THE SMALLEST CALIBRE APPROPRIATE.
3. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT EXPENDED ROUNDS FALL INTO A SAFE AREA.
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SIX SEVENTY BRAVO

ACTION TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF UK SERVICE PERSONNEL OR ENTITLED
PERSONNEL IN THE AOR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THEIR CAPTURE IS PERMITTED
IF THE OPPORTUNITY OCCURS.
SIX EIGHTY ALFA

DETENTION, ARREST OR SEIZURE OF SHIP(S), AIRCRAFT, VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT
IS PROHIBITED.
SIX EIGHTY BRAVO

TEMPORARY DETENTION OF PERSONNEL PREVENTING THE CONDUCT OF THE NEO
IS PERMITTED.
NOTE: PERIOD OF DETENTION IS TO BE AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.WHILST DETAINED,

ORANGE PERSONNEL ARE TO BE TREATED COURTEOUSLY.
SEVEN TWENTY CHARLIE

PREPARTION OF NON-EXPLOSIVE OBSTACLES FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTROLLING
ACCESS AND OR CROWD CONTROL DURING EVACUATION IS PERMITTED.
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ANNEX D – GUIDANCE CARDS
1. Card A: Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Authorised to Carry Arms and
Ammunition on Duty.
2. Card B: Guidance for Service Personnel Dealing with trespassers on MOD Property.
3. Card C: Guidance for the Release of dogs by Service Personnel on Duty.
4. Card D: Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to Use Public Order Control Equipment.
5. Card E: Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to Use Batons (To be Issued).
6. Card F: Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to Use Batons when Guarding Specified
Nuclear Assets.
7. Card G: Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Guarding Specified Nuclear Assets
and Authorised to Carry Arms and Ammunition on Duty.
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CARD A – GUIDANCE FOR OPENING FIRE FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL

AUTHORISED TO CARRY ARMS AND AMMUNITION ON DUTY
GENERAL GUIDANCE
1. These ROE do not affect your general right to self defence. However, in all situations you
are to use no more force than absolutely necessary.
FIREARMS MUST ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT

2. Your weapon must always be made safe: that is, NO live round is to be carried in the breech,
and in the case of automatic weapons the working parts are to be forward, unless you are ordered to
make your weapon ready or you are about to fire.
CHALLENGING
3. A challenge MUST be given before opening fire unless:
a. To do this would increase the risk of death or grave injury to you or any other persons
other than the attacker(s);
OR
b. You or others in the immediate vicinity are under armed attack.
4. You are to challenge by shouting:
“NAVY. ARMY. AIR FORCE, (as appropriate)

STOP OR I FIRE.” Or words to that effect.
USE OF LETHAL FORCE

PROTECTION OF LIFE
5. You are only to open fire against a person if he/she is committing or about to commit an act
likely to endanger human life and there is no other way to prevent the danger.
OPENING FIRE
6. If you have to open fire you are to:
a. Fire only aimed shots;
AND
b. Fire no more rounds than are necessary;
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AND
c. Take all reasonable precautions not to injure anyone other than your target.
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY
7. You are only to open fire against a person who is stealing or damaging property (including
property which you have been told is essential to your mission) where:
a. You believe that its loss or damage will imminently threaten human life;
AND
b. There is no other way of preventing such loss or damage.
Note: If you have to open fire, rule 6 applies.
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CARD B – GUIDANCE FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL DEALING WITH

TRESPASSERS ON MOD PROPERTY
GENERAL GUIDANCE
1. Responsibilities. Your responsibilities apply only on MOD property following Rules 680
and 690. You are not to deal with demonstrators who are outside a MOD perimeter. You may be
detailed to prevent them entering MOD premises (trespass), damaging MOD equipment or causing
general disruption on MOD land. Your duties could include deterrence, detection and dealing with
trespassers, as well as arrest and detention of those who commit criminal acts.
2. Use of Force. You may use force only as a last resort. If force has to be applied, it must be
limited to that force absolutely necessary and reasonable in the circumstances. One or more of cards
A, D, E, F and G will additionally apply if you have been issued with weapons or Public Order
Control equipment.
3. Dogs. Service dogs may be used to deter demonstrators from trespassing and to detect
trespassers. Guidance on the use of dogs is laid down in Card C.
TRESPASSERS
4. Trespassers are those who enter MOD property without authority. They must be arrested
only in circumstances where you have a power of arrest, or detained where your ROE permit
detention.
5. Trespassers are first to be asked to leave as follows:
“SIR/MADAM. YOU ARE TRESPASSING ON MOD PROPERTY. WILL YOU

PLEASE LEAVE AT ONCE?”
6. If they comply, whenever possible, you are to escort them from MOD property. If they will
not leave, the MOD Police (MDP), Service or civil police should remove trespassers, as soon as
possible. If police assistance is not available you may, when ordered, remove the trespassers from
MOD property having said to them:
“SIR/MADAM. YOU ARE NOT BEING DETAINED BUT ARE BEING REMOVED
FROM MOD PROPERTY.”
POWERS OF ARREST
7. Whenever possible, a Constable (whether MDP or civil police) should perform arrests. The
most likely occasions on which you may arrest offenders are:
a. Breach of the Peace. A person may be arrested for breach of the peace if he/she in
your presence:
(1) Is assaulting any person; or
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(2) Deliberately damages any property (e.g. fence, building, ship, aircraft, vehicle
or equipment).
b. Criminal Damage. A person may be arrested for criminal damage if he/she has
deliberately damaged, or is deliberately damaging any property (e.g. cutting or trampling
down a perimeter fence).
8. Additional Powers. Additional powers of arrest apply on MOD property in the UK that is
covered by the Explosives Act 1875, local Bye-Laws under the Military Lands Act 1892, or Section
6 of the Official Secrets Act 1911.
9. Arrest. You must first tell the person why he/she is being arrested as follows:
“SIR/MADAM, I AM ARRESTING YOU …………….
………… FOR COMMITTING A BREACH OF THE PEACE.”; or
………… BECAUSE YOU ARE DELIBERATELY DAMAGING MOD PROPERTY.”;

or
………… FOR COMMITTING A DANGEROUS OFFENCE UNDER THE

EXPLOSIVES ACT 1875.”; or
……….. FOR TRESPASS IN BREACH OF BYE LAWS MADE UNDER THE

MILITARY LANDS ACT 1892.” (only by service officers, warrant officers, or non
commissioned officers); or
………… UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT 1911 BECAUSE

YOU HAVE ENTERED A PROHIBITED PLACE.” (Only on MOD Authority).
10. Custody. The person arrested is to be handed over to the MDP or civil police as quickly as
possible.
11. Evidence. If you make an arrest, you may be required to give evidence in court. You are to
remain with the arrested person until the MDP or civil police authorise you to return to your duty.
SEARCH
12. A person may not be searched unless he/she has first been arrested, and should, whenever
possible, be searched by the Police and not by Service personnel. However, you may search an
arrested person if there is reason to believe that he/she may be carrying a weapon, or may be in
possession of evidence which he/she may seek to dispose of or destroy. The degree of search is to
be no more than absolutely necessary to achieve the purpose of the search. A strip search is not
permitted. Personnel may only search offenders of the same sex as themselves. The co-operation of
the arrested person is to be requested as follows:
“SIR/MADAM, I BELIEVE YOU MAY BE CARRYING A WEAPON/HOLDING

EVIDENCE WHICH YOU MAY TRY TO DISPOSE OF* AND I MUST
THEREFORE ASK YOU TO HAND IT TO ME.” (*As applicable).
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13. If the person refuses or says nothing, you should then say:
“IN VIEW OF YOUR REFUSAL, I MUST NOW CARRY OUT A SEARCH.”
14. Vehicles. Vehicles may be stopped on MOD property except on those roads over which the
public have uninterrupted right of passage. The consent of the occupants of vehicles is required
prior to search. If consent is not given, the vehicle and occupants should be escorted from MOD
property.
15. Northern Ireland. If you are on duty in Northern Ireland you may also have powers under
the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996, and these orders should be read in
conjunction with any orders issued to you concerning those powers.
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CARD C – GUIDANCE FOR THE

RELEASE OF DOGS BY SERVICE PERSONNEL ON DUTY
GENERAL
1. Dogs may be used to assist with a lawful arrest or to prevent crime following Rule 680. A
dog must be used only in appropriate circumstances. The release of a dog for the purpose of
apprehending a person must only be used as a last resort, other than the use of firearms, in the
specific circumstances detailed below. Patrol Arm True dogs, which are used for special roles, are
highly suited for this task.
CHALLENGING
2. A challenge MUST be given before the release of a dog unless:
a. To do so would increase the risk of death or injury to you or any other person;
OR
b. You or others in the immediate vicinity are under attack.
“NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, (as appropriate).

HALT OR I WILL RELEASE MY DOG”.
THE RELEASE
4. You are only to release the dog, should no other means be available to apprehend a person,
if, on reasonable grounds you believe:
a. A person is committing or about to commit an act likely to endanger life (e.g. firing a
weapon or placing an explosive device).
OR
b. You, the handler, come under attack.
OR
c. A person is causing injury to others.
OR
d. A person is threatening to cause injury to others.
OR
e. A person has just killed or injured someone or attempted or threatened to kill or injure
someone.
D-7
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OR
f. A person is breaking into an armoury or ammunition/explosives store or

ammunition/explosives storage area.
OR
g. An unauthorised person is attempting to make off with arms, ammunition or

explosives.
OR
h. It is necessary to do so to protect property, equipment or vehicles belonging to the

Ministry of Defence, or in the care of MOD personnel, against serious acts of sabotage, theft
or vandalism.
You may then release the dog using the appropriate command. Upon release, you are to follow the
dog and order the person to stand still. When they are still, you are to command the dog to “leave”,
regain control of the dog and initiate the arrest procedure.
D-8
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CARD D - GUIDANCE FOR

SERVICE PERSONNEL AUTHORISED TO USE
PUBLIC ORDER CONTROL EQUIPMENT
GENERAL
1. Public Order Control Equipment, when authorised in the ROE profile, is only to be used on
command of the designated local commander, in situations of potential violent disorder. Its use
must be no more than absolutely necessary in the circumstances, and there must be no alternative,
other than the use of lethal force.
BATON ROUNDS
2. Personnel may only use the baton gun if they are fully trained in its use.
3. 25-Grain or 40 Grain baton rounds may be fired, if authorised by the commander on the spot,
as the minimum force necessary to protect own forces or others under their protection from physical
violence. This may include dispersing a violent crowd posing a risk to life, by singling out the
perceived ringleaders and troublemakers. For the purposes of crowd control, however, only the 25-
Grain baton round should be used. Baton rounds may, in some specific circumstances, also be used
to protect designated property, when substantial and serious damage of the designated property
would be likely to cause loss of life or serious injury.
4. Baton rounds are to be fired directly at selected persons, not indiscriminately. They are to be
aimed so that they strike the lower part of the body, without bouncing. They are not to be fired at a
range of less than 20 metres, unless there is an immediate and serious threat to life, which cannot
otherwise be avoided.
BATONS
5. Guidance on the use of batons by service personnel, including their use in Public Order
Control, is contained at Cards E or F as appropriate.
CS SMOKE
6. CS smoke is only to be used at an incident of potential large-scale public disorder in

accordance with the principles governing the use of reasonable and proportionate force necessary to
protect life and/or designated property.
7. Because of the threat that it poses to sick and infirm people, particularly the young, when
concentrated inside buildings, use of CS smoke in urban areas should be avoided, unless there is a
serious risk to life, which cannot otherwise be avoided.
8. The following precautions are to be followed:
a. Loading. CS canisters and dischargers are only to be loaded on the orders of the
designated commander at the incident.
b. Minimum Range. CS smoke canisters and dischargers are not to be fired at ranges
of less than 25 metres.
D-9
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c. Angle of Fire. CS smoke is not to be fired or thrown at individuals. Canisters and

discharges are to be fired at an angle of 45° above the heads of the crowd.
d. Target Effect. Weapons are to be aimed and fired in such a way as to minimise the
risk of people being struck by canisters.
e. Avoidance of Bystanders. Care is always to be taken to avoid harming innocent

bystanders.
WARNING
9. A warning must be given before any of the above Public Order Control Equipments are used
unless to do so would increase the risk of death or grave injury to you or any other person. The on-
scene commander or his representative is to give the following warning at the earliest opportunity:
“ATTENTION. UNLESS YOU DISPERSE, CS SMOKE/BATON ROUNDS/ BATONS

WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU.”
TRAINING
10. Only those personnel who have received training from a qualified instructor may use Public
Order Control Equipment.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
11. Medical assistance is to be provided to casualties as early as possible. All personnel involved
in operations potentially involving use of CS smoke are to be made aware of the symptoms
associated with it, and how to treat them.
D-10
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CARD D - GUIDANCE FOR

PUBLIC ORDER CONTROL EQUIPMENT
GENERAL
1. Public Order Control Equipment, when authorised in the ROE profile, is only to be used on
command of the designated local commander, in situations of potential violent disorder. Its use
must be no more than absolutely necessary in the circumstances, and there must be no alternative,
other than the use of lethal force.
BATON ROUNDS
2. Personnel may only use the baton gun if they are fully trained in its use.
3. L21A1 baton rounds may be fired, if authorised by the commander on the spot, as the
minimum force necessary to protect own forces or others under their protection from physical
violence. This may include dispersing a violent crowd posing a risk to life, by singling out the
perceived ringleaders and troublemakers. Baton rounds may, in some specific circumstances, also be
used to protect designated property, when substantial and serious damage of the designated property
would be likely to cause loss of life or serious injury.
4. Baton rounds are to be fired at selected individuals, not indiscriminately. They are to be
aimed so that they should strike directly (i.e. without bouncing) the lower part of the body (i.e.
below the ribcage). They are not to be fired at a range of less than 20 metres unless there is an
immediate and serious risk of loss of life or serious injury which cannot otherwise be countered.
BATONS
5. Guidance on the use of batons by service personnel, including their use in Public Order
Control, is contained at Card E or F as appropriate.
CS SMOKE
6. CS smoke is only to be used at an incident of potential large-scale public disorder in

accordance with the principles governing the use of reasonable and proportionate force necessary to
protect life and/or designated property.
7. Because of the threat that it poses to sick and infirm people, particularly the young, when
concentrated inside buildings, use of CS smoke in urban areas should be avoided, unless there is a
serious risk to life, which cannot otherwise be avoided.
D-9 (L21A1)
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8. The following precautions are to be followed:
a. Loading. CS canisters and dischargers are only to be loaded on the orders of the
designated commander at the incident.
b. Minimum Range. CS smoke canisters and dischargers are not to be fired at ranges
of less than 25 metres.
c. Angle of Fire. CS smoke is not to be fired or thrown at individuals. Canisters and

discharges are to be fired at an angle of 45° above the heads of the crowd.
d. Target Effect. Weapons are to be aimed and fired in such a way as to minimise the
risk of people being struck by canisters.
e. Avoidance of Bystanders. Care is always to be taken to avoid harming innocent

bystanders.
WARNING
9. A warning is to be given before any of the above Public Order Control Equipments are used
unless to do so would increase the risk of death or grave injury to you or any other person. The on-
scene commander or his representative is to give the following warning at the earliest opportunity:
“ATTENTION. UNLESS YOU DISPERSE, CS SMOKE/BATON ROUNDS/ BATONS

WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU.”
TRAINING
10. Only those personnel who have received training from a qualified instructor may use Public
Order Control Equipment.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
11. Medical assistance is to be provided to casualties as early as possible. All personnel involved
in operations potentially involving use of CS smoke are to be made aware of the symptoms
associated with it, and how to treat them.
D-10 (L21A1)
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CARD E - GUIDANCE FOR

BATONS
GENERAL
1. These ROE do not affect your general right to self defence. However in all situations you
are to use no more force than absolutely necessary to achieve your aim.
YOUR BATON MAY ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT

2. Where personnel are authorised to use Public Order Control Equipment, JSP 398 Card D
should be issued.
CHALLENGING AND WARNING
3. A challenge MUST be given before using your baton. (A challenge need not be given if to
do so would increase the risk of death or injury to you or others, for example because aggressive
confrontation is imminent).
“ATTENTION - STOP/MOVE/DISPERSE* OR I MAY USE A BATON AGAINST

YOU” (* As appropriate)
STRIKING
5. Striking in a manner that may cause a fatality constitutes the use of potentially lethal force.
USE OF LETHAL FORCE

PROTECTION OF LIFE
6. You are only to strike a person in such a way if he/she is committing or about to commit an
act likely to endanger human life and there is no other way to prevent the danger.
7. You are only to strike a person in such a way who is stealing or damaging property
(including property which you have been told is essential to your mission) where:
AND
D-11
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AFTER STRIKING
8. After striking you are to:
a. Re-assess the situation;
AND
b. Decide upon any follow-up action required. (e.g. strike again, summons assistance or
give first aid).
D-12
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CARD F - GUIDANCE FOR

BATONS WHEN GUARDING SPECIFIED NUCLEAR ASSETS
GENERAL
1. These ROE do not affect your general right to self defence. However in all situations you
are to use no more force than absolutely necessary to achieve your aim.
YOUR BATON MAY ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT

2. Where personnel are authorised to use Public Order Control Equipment, JSP 398 Card D
should be issued.
CHALLENGING AND WARNING
3. A challenge MUST be given before using your baton. (A challenge need not be given if to
do so would increase the risk of death or injury to you or others, for example because aggressive
confrontation is imminent).
“ATTENTION - STOP/MOVE/DISPERSE* OR I MAY USE A BATON AGAINST

YOU” (* As appropriate)
STRIKING
5. Striking in a manner that may cause a fatality constitutes the use of potentially lethal force.
USE OF LETHAL FORCE

PROTECTION OF LIFE
6. You are only to strike a person in such a way if he/she is committing or about to commit an
act likely to endanger human life and there is no other way to prevent the danger.
7. You are only to strike a person in such a way who is stealing or damaging property
(including property which you have been told is essential to your mission) where:
AND
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8. Protection of Specified Nuclear Assets. This extra paragraph operates ONLY when your
superior has told you that it applies to the specified nuclear assets that you are guarding.
You may then use your baton against a person even though the conditions of paragraph 6
are not met, IF:
a. (1) He/she attempts to remove that specified nuclear asset from a Defence
installation or aircraft or vehicle, or otherwise attempts to take possession of it or
to damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with it;
OR
(2) He/she attempts to take possession of that specified nuclear asset or to

cause it serious damage, which could prevent its effective use, or destroy it
AND
(3) There is no other way of preventing this;
OR
b. (1) He/she has obtained unlawful possession of that specified nuclear asset;
AND
(2) There is no other way of recovering it.
BUT
c. All other Card F paragraphs apply.
AFTER STRIKING
9. After striking you are to:
a. Re-assess the situation;
AND
b. Decide upon any follow-up action required. (e.g. strike again, summons assistance or
give first aid).
D-14
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CARD G – GUIDANCE FOR OPENING FIRE FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL

GUARDING SPECIFIED NUCLEAR ASSETS AND AUTHORISED TO CARRY ARMS
AND AMMUNITION ON DUTY
GENERAL GUIDANCE
1. In all situations you are to use no more force than absolutely necessary.
FIREARMS MUST ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT

2. Your weapon must always be made safe: that is, NO live round is to be carried in the breech,
and in the case of automatic weapons the working parts are to be forward, unless you are ordered to
make your weapon ready or you are about to fire.
CHALLENGING
3. A challenge MUST be given before opening fire unless:
a. To do this would increase the risk of death or grave injury to you or any other persons
other than the attacker(s);
OR
b. You or others in the immediate vicinity are under armed attack.
“NAVY. ARMY. AIR FORCE, (as appropriate)

STOP OR I FIRE.” Or words to that effect.
USE OF LETHAL FORCE

PROTECTION OF LIFE
5. You are only to open fire against a person if he/she is committing or about to commit an act
likely to endanger human life and there is no other way to prevent the danger.
OPENING FIRE
6. If you have to open fire you are to:
a. Fire only aimed shots;
AND
b. Fire no more rounds than are necessary;
D-15
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AND
c. Take all reasonable precautions not to injure anyone other than your target.
7. You are only to open fire against a person who is stealing or damaging property (including
property which you have been told is essential to your mission) where:
AND
Note: If you have to open fire, rule 6 applies.
8. Protection of Specified Nuclear Assets. This extra paragraph operates ONLY when your
superior has told you that it applies to the specified nuclear assets that you are guarding.
You may then open fire against a person even though the conditions of paragraph 5 are
not met, IF:
a. (1) He/she attempts to remove that specified nuclear asset from a Defence
installation or aircraft or vehicle, or otherwise attempts to take possession of it or
to damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with it;
OR
(2) He/she attempts to take possession of that specified nuclear asset or to

cause it serious damage, which could prevent its effective use, or destroy it
AND
(3) There is no other way of preventing this;
OR
b. (1) He/she has obtained unlawful possession of that specified nuclear asset;
AND
(2) There is no other way of recovering it.
BUT
c. All other Card G paragraphs apply.
D-16
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ANNEX E– POINTS OF CONTACT IN MOD FOR RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ISSUES
General JSP 398
Directorate of Joint Warfare (DJW) DJW JW1

020 7218-7104
Regional Directorates
NATO and European Policy

Group (NEPG) NEPG(B)7
020 7218-2635
Central and Eastern Europe

Directorate (DCEE) CEE(Prog)
020 7218-0784
Overseas Secretariat (Sec(O)) Sec(O) Co-ord

020 7218-0636
Balkans Secretariat Balkans Sec 2

020 7218-3934
Special Forces
Home and Special Forces Secretariat

Sec(HSF) Sec(HSF)2a
020 7218-2958
Legal
MOD Legal Advisers (LA) MODLA

020 7218-0723
PJHQ
J3 J3 Ops/Spt ROE/Targeting
01923-846-251
J9 J9 Hd Pol Ops
01923-846-022
J9 SO1 J9 Legal
01923-846-050
Single Services
Directorate of Naval Operations DNO/AIR

020 7218-2642
E-1
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Directorate of Military Operations MO1 SO2 ROW1/CM

020 7218-7548
Directorate of Air Operations AO/AD1

020 7218-1181
E-2
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ANNEX F–TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE MOD ROE COMMITTEE
PURPOSES
1. Primary Purpose
To provide Grand Strategic and Military Strategic policy guidance and direction for ROE
issues.
2. Secondary Purpose
a. To provide an enduring source of corporate knowledge of ROE related issues within

the MOD.
b. Chairman to act as the initial Military Point of Contact within the MOD for all ROE
matters.
SUPERIORS
3. The Committee is:
a. Accountable to ACDS(Ops) through DJW.
b. Under the functional authority of DJW.
AUTHORITY
4. The Committee is authorised to liase with the MOD Defence Staff, Other Government
Departments (OGD), the PJHQ and Single Service Staffs of CinCs.
PRINCIPAL TASKS
5. Liase with the appropriate Secretariats and Service Authorities on the production of ROE
profiles.
6. Staff ROE profiles developed initially by PJHQ, Single Service Commands, regional
secretariats or multinational organisations (NATO, WEU, and UN).
7. Provide advice on the military, legal and secretariat aspects of ROE.
8. Maintain a master list of extant ROE profiles.
9. Co-ordinate the provision of specialist advice on ROE to Current Commitment Teams

(CCTs).
10. Act as the military focal point within MOD for ROEREQ/ROEAUTH and monitor the
staffing process.
11. Maintain close liaison with the policy staff on ROE (JW1) and provide input on revision of
JSP 398 (ROE).
F-1
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MEMBERSHIP
12. Core membership will be at SO1 level as follows:
a. Chairman: DJW AD JW
b. DNO: DNO AIR
c. DMO: DMO MO1 SO2 ROW1/CM
d. DAO: ADEF1
e. NEPG: NEPG(B)7 – For NATO Ops and General
f. Sec (HSF): Sec HSF1/2/3 as required.
g. Sec(O): Sec(O) Coord – For UN Ops & General
h. MOD Legal Adviser: LA2
13. Representation will be sought from the PJHQ and MOD Regional Directorates as necessary,
depending on the ROE under consideration.
F-2
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UNITED KINGDOM COMPENDIUM OF NATIONAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Permanent Under Secretary

AMENDMENT DATE OF INSERTION INITIALS

United Kingdom Compendium of National Rules of Engagement 1–9

Annex A Definitions A-1 to A-3

Appendix 1 Amplification of Self Defence, Hostile Act and A-1-1 to A-1-6

Annex B List of Rules B-1 to B-25

Annex C Format for Messages C-1 to C-2

Appendix 1 Example of ROE Authorisation (ROEAUTH) C-1-1 to C-1-3

Appendix 2 Example of ROE Request (ROEREQ) Message C-2-1 to C-2-2

Appendix 3 Example of Rules to be Incorporated into ROE C-3-1 to C-3-2

Appendix 4 Example of Rules to be Incorporated into ROE C-4-1 to C-4-3

Annex D Guidance Cards D-1 to D-16

Card A – Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Authorised to

Card B – Guidance for Service Personnel Dealing with Trespassers on

Card C – Guidance for the Release of Dogs by Service Personnel on Duty

Card D – Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Public Order

Card E – Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Batons

Card F - Guidance for Service Personnel Authorised to use Batons When

Card G - Guidance for Opening Fire for Service Personnel Guarding

Annex E Points of Contact in MOD for Rules of E-1 to E-2

Annex F TOR for the MOD ROE Committee F-1 to F-2

UNITED KINGDOM COMPENDIUM OF NATIONAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

1. Ministers provide political direction and guidance to commanders by means of Rules of

4. Definitions of specific terms used in this document are listed at Annex A.

LAW: THE USE OF FORCE

7. Multinational Operations. UK forces may be called upon to operate in conjunction with

9. Non-Operational Deployments. UK forces may undertake non-operational deployments

22. Following the initial discussions, the MRC/CCT will engage:

c. The relevant Government Department(s) where appropriate for operations in the UK

26. MOD UK will forward the ROEAUTH to the OPCOM authority

STRUCTURE OF THE RULES

Political/military strategy is to minimise UK involvement in the crisis to that necessary to

YANKEE – Status quo

Political/military strategy is to use UK forces to maintain current regional balance or return to

ZULU – Risk of Escalation is Acceptable

‘EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE’.

1. Baton. A truncheon or expandable or rigid instrument specifically designed for a policing,

6. Competent Operator. An individual trained in the use of particular equipment or in

8. Counter Harassment. A proportional response to harassment, through manoeuvre or other

10. Detention. The holding in custody of personnel or equipment.

11. Element. An individual, vehicle, vessel, aircraft platform.

12. Harassment. Calculated act of provocative nature designed to inconvenience, disrupt or

a. The threatening unit or force’s capability and preparedness to inflict damage;

b. evidence, especially intelligence, indicating that an attack is imminent.

23. Positive Identification. Assured determination by specified means of the nationality of an

24. Public Order Control Agents. Chemical agents such as CS smoke

26. Self Defence. See Appendix 1.

1. Amplification of Self Defence, Hostile Act and Hostile Intent.

APPENDIX A1 – AMPLIFICATION OF SELF DEFENCE, HOSTILE ACT AND HOSTILE

THE USE OF FORCE

Action in self defence is governed by three precepts:

Necessity. It is indispensable for securing self-defence.

Imminence. The need to defend is manifest, instant and overwhelming.

“A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances

[a] In the prevention of crime,

[b] in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of

6. Proportionality. At all times the Rule of Proportionality must be observed, in particular

Verify the military nature of the objective to be attacked.

7. Hostile Act. A Hostile Act is defined as:

8. Hostile Intent. Hostile Intent is characterised by demonstration of both capability and

Detection of heavy jamming of communications, emanating from hostile or potentially hostile