AFDD 2-1.9, page 102

92 Protection of Medical Units, Hospitals, and Medical Transport. Under the Geneva Conventions, these are not to be attacked. These should be marked by a distinctive medical emblem such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or some other internationally recognized symbol to show that they are for medical use. Known medical facilities and structures will typically be placed in the combatant commander’s no-strike list database. Like civilian personnel, these may not be used to shield legitimate military targets. For instance, placing a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system next to a hospital does not prevent an attack on the SAM system if necessary in self- defense. Usually the combatant commander will issue guidance concerning the approval authority for mobile systems placed next to such protected objects when not acting in self-defense. Protection of Religious, Cultural, and Charitable Buildings and Monuments. Under the Hague Conventions, international treaties and customary law, buildings and monuments devoted to religion, art, charitable purposes, or historical sites are not to be attacked. These should be marked with internationally recognized distinctive emblems (such as the blue shield with two white triangles). Known buildings and monuments devoted to religious, cultural, and charitable purposes will typically be placed in the combatant commander’s “no-strike list” database. “Cultural” properties are usually considered irreplaceable and the property of all mankind. Like civilians, these may not be used to shield legitimate military targets. For instance, placing a SAM in the ruins of an ancient temple would not prevent an attack on the SAM system if necessary in self- defense. Usually the combatant commander will issue guidance concerning the approval authority for striking mobile systems placed next to such protected buildings or monuments when not in self-defense. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Have applicable restrictions or requirements imposed by the ROE been complied with prior to striking a target? The ROE are directives issued by competent military authority to delineate the circumstances and limitations under which air, ground, and naval forces will initiate or continue combat engagement with other forces encountered. (JP 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms). Essentially, ROE are rules for a particular operation that govern the use of force to reflect the will of the civilian and military leadership. ROE constrain the actions of US military forces to ensure their actions are consistent with domestic and international law, national policy, and objectives. Although ROE are not law, they are authoritative restrictions issued at the appropriate level of command to control the use of force. ROE are based on domestic and international law, history, strategy, political concerns, and a vast wealth of operational wisdom, experience, and knowledge provided by military commanders and operators. ROE may be more restrictive than the LOAC for a given situation, but they can’t be more permissive than allowed under LOAC—therefore compliance with ROE should guarantee compliance with LOAC.