AFDD 2-1.9, page 103

93 Personnel involved in targeting should be involved in the development and refinement of ROE along with the judge advocates. Just as tasking and targeting are cyclical, so too is ROE development, and it may require constant input and refinement in order to meet operational requirements. What is contained in ROE. There is usually information in the ROE that is directly applicable to how, when, or under what circumstances targets may be struck. The ROE may contain such information as target approval authorities for certain types or classes of targets (e.g., economic objects, lines of communication), and approval authority for time-sensitive or high-collateral damage targets. It may also contain information regarding what weapons may be used, (like cluster bombs or anti-personnel mines) the conditions for use and approval authority for their use. Where ROE Are Found. ROE may be found in the standing rules of engagement (SROE), a combatant commander’s theater-specific ROE, and ROE issued specifically for an operation (such as with Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM). a. Standing Rules of Engagement. These are contained in a classified Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction. The SROE provide implementation guidance on the inherent right of self-defense and the application of force for mission accomplishment. The SROE also provide a framework for the development and implementation of ROE across the spectrum of military operations. The important point to remember is that the SROE are not tailored to specific military operations. They provide guidance in the absence of operation-specific ROE, and do not contain specific targeting restrictions or considerations based on the circumstances of a particular operation. b. Theater-Specific Rules of Engagement. These are the combatant commanders’ theater-specific ROE. These ROE address specific strategic and political sensitivities of the AOR, and must be approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Theater-specific ROE may have been issued in a separate message. Like the SROE, these will not provide specific targeting restrictions or considerations based on ongoing operational constraints. c. Operation-Specific ROE. These ROE are promulgated by the President, Secretary of Defense, combatant commander and component commanders and are based upon the specific factors underlying the operation. The ROE might be sent to the components via message from the combatant commander or could be incorporated into the OPORD. The ROE are usually re-stated in the JAOP and in Section Five of the air and space component’s daily SPINS. ROE Considerations. For examples of the kinds of issues to be considered in ROE development, refer to AFDD 2-4.5, Legal Support, Chapter Three (Legal Support for Rules of Engagement) and to AFDCH 10-01, Air and Space Commander’s Handbook for the JFACC (ROE appendix).