AFDD 2-1.9, page 101

91 Protection of Prisoners of War. Direct attacks on prisoners of war (POW) are also prohibited by the Geneva Conventions. This occurs from the moment they have surrendered because they are no longer considered “combatants” at that point. POW camps or detention facilities should be marked to be visible from the air as such. However, it is important that any POW facility is also noted as such on a NSL to ensure there is no confusion on the part of aircrew between the POW facility and adversary forces that may be conducting rear-area operations. Objects and Places Are we targeting an object or place protected under LOAC? Intentional direct attacks on civilian objects are prohibited. However, this is distinct from the incidental injury that may be caused to civilian objects as a result of an attack on a valid military target. Likewise, there are instances when based on the facts of a particular situation a civilian object may be a valid military target. These are discussed below. Protection of Civilian Objects. Civilian objects may not be intentionally targeted for attack. Civilian objects are civilian property and facilities other than those used to support or sustain the adversary’s warfighting capability. Civilian objects that are being used to engage in or support hostilities may lose their protected civilian status and be legitimate military targets. Civilian objects that may be legitimate military targets. Some facilities or objects that might be considered as civilian objects but are actually legitimate military targets based on the facts surrounding their nature, location, purpose, and use: a. Dual-Use Objects. These are facilities or objects that serve both a military and civilian purpose and may be legitimate military targets. For example a power grid that supports an enemy airbase, but also supports civilian cities/towns is dual-use, but might be considered a legitimate military target. A target such as this would need to be examined in light of “proportionality” concerning whether targeting the power grid would be disproportionate to the effects caused to the surrounding civilian objects supported by the same power grid. Typically dual-use targets will require a higher level of approval authority because of the concerns on the impact on the civilian population. b. Economic Objects. These are typically factories, workshops and plants that make an effective (though not necessarily direct) contribution to an adversary’s military capability. Like dual-use targets, these typically require a higher level of approval because of the particular facts and circumstances regarding the nature, location, use, and purpose of the target. c. Lines of Communication. Transportation systems (roadways, bridges, etc) and communication systems (TV, radio), while civilian in nature, may also be considered legitimate military targets based on their use. Like dual-use and economic objects, these may require higher level of approval based on the particular facts and circumstances regarding nature, location, use, and purpose of the target.