Military Operations and Terminology Quiz

Non-Defended Areas and Localities

• Areas left open for enemy occupation without military action
• No hostile action is permitted within these areas

Demilitarized Zone

• All combatants, mobile weapons, and military equipment have been removed
• Hostile acts are prohibited
• Fixed military installations remain, but no further military activity should occur

Rules of Engagement (ROE)

• Directives outlining conditions for initiating or continuing combat
• Standing ROE apply generally, while specific ROE are for particular operations

War Booty

• Captured enemy military objects, excluding personnel identification cards, insignia, medical and religious items, and items needed to clothe, feed, and protect captured personnel

Medical Terminology

• Medical personnel do not include "ops medics" but may carry weapons for self-defense
• Medical establishments refer to hospitals and medical depots
• Medical transport includes transportation for search, rescue, and evacuation
• Medical Material is any equipment and resources used for medical care

Instrument Classification

• Categories for personnel, objects, and ships are defined based on permitted actions and restrictions.

Religious Personnel

• Personnel exclusively engaged in religious ministry may carry weapons for self-defense

Religious Objects

• All objects and articles of a religious nature are permitted

Prisoner of War (POW)

• POW status applies to lawful combatants and persons recognized in terms of relevant Geneva Conventions (H IV R, GII - GIII and GPI) who have fallen under the power of the opposing party.
• Combatants who surrender or fall to the enemy are entitled to POW status.

Warship

• A ship belonging to a state's armed forces that bears distinguishable marks of character and nationality, is commanded by an appropriately commissioned officer, and manned by crew under military discipline.

Prohibited

• Actions and weapon types completely forbidden under the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)

Restricted

• Combat actions and weapon types are restricted but may be utilized under specific conditions prescribed by LOAC
• Restricted actions and weapon types are limited by at least four fundamental LOAC principles

LOAC Concepts

Armed Forces

• All organized units and personnel under a command responsible for their behaviour

Auxiliary Vessel

• A vessel other than a warship, owned or controlled by a state's armed forces, used for non-commercial service

Combatants

• Recognizable members of armed forces, excluding medical and religious personnel
• To be considered a lawful combatant, a person must:
  • Be under responsible command
  • Wear a distinguishing sign
  • Carry weapons openly
  • Respect LOAC

Lawful Combatant

• Combatant engaging in hostile acts on behalf of a party to the conflict, authorized by a competent authority

Civilian "Combatants"

• Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory who, on the approach of an enemy, take up arms to resist the enemy in mass, in order to expel the enemy.

Combatants and Mercenaries in Armed Conflict

Combatants

• A person engaging in hostile acts during armed conflict on behalf of a party to the conflict
• Lawful combatants are directly authorized by a competent authority to engage in armed conflict
• Civilian combatants are inhabitants who spontaneously take up arms to resist the enemy
• They do not need to be organized or have a designated command
• They must bear arms openly and comply with the laws of armed conflict
• This resistance must occur suddenly, without time to organize into regular armed forces

Mercenaries

• Individuals who participate in armed conflicts mainly for financial reasons (monetary compensation)
• They are not considered lawful combatants and are considered criminals by international law
• The French Foreign Legion is an exception: members pledge allegiance to France and are commissioned in this way
• Captured mercenaries may be tried and punished according to the Geneva Conventions for acts related to directly participating in armed conflict, if those acts violate the conventions.

General Notes

• Compliance with the laws of armed conflict is emphasized.
• The document highlights the distinction between lawful combatants and mercenaries, noting different legal implications.