MCRP 12-10B.1, page 153

ROE Used for Operation United Shield Nothing in these Rules of Engagement limits your right to take appropriate action to defend yourself and your unit. a. You have the right to use deadly force in response to a hostile act or when there is a clear indication of hostile intent. b. Hostile fire may be returned effectively and promptly to stop a hostile act. c. When US forces are attacked by unarmed hostile elements, mobs and/or rioters, US forces should use the minimum force necessary under the circumstances and proportional to the threat. d. Inside designated security zones, once a hostile act or hostile intent is demonstrated, you have the right to use minimum force to prevent armed individuals/crew-served weapons from endangering US/UNOSOM II forces. This includes deadly force. e. Detention of civilians is authorized for security reasons or in self-defense. Remember: 1. The United States is not at war. 2. Treat all persons with dignity and respect. 3. Use minimum force to carry out mission. 4. Always be prepared to act in self-defense. Table 7-1. ROE Used in Operation United Shield 7203. Planning. Commanders and planners thoroughly study each situation to identify the restrictive measures necessary to prevent needless civilian casualties and damage while also protecting the lives of the Marines who will execute the mission. a. Mission/Command Guidance. The mission statement itself may determine much about the required level of force for a given operation. A humanitarian relief operation may require only individual weapons for security and personal protection. A raid on an insurgent communication center may need more. The requirements for an NEO conducted in a permissive environment would be different from those in a nonpermissive one. The key is to conduct a thorough analysis of the mission and determine the necessary combat power and how it must be applied to accomplish the mission. Many of these missions will be accompanied by a great deal of additional guidance concerning operational restrictions. These restrictions may come from the NCA, State Department, Department of Defense (DoD), or the joint task force (JTF) commander, and other sources. Such guidance must be carefully studied and incorporated into the plan. The commander can impose restrictions on his/her own forces that are more stringent then those dictated by higher authority. A careful analysis of the ROE will provide key insights into other restraints that the commander may wish to impose on his/her own forces. MCWP 3-35 .3 7-6