These rules were designed to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage, while still allowing U.S. forces to effectively prosecute the war.
Some of the key rules of engagement for the Vietnam War included:
- Military personnel were to only use force when necessary for self-defense or to protect others from imminent danger.
- Civilians were to be treated with respect, and their property was to be protected.
- Women and children were to be especially protected from harm.
- The use of excessive force was prohibited.
- Commanders were to take all possible measures to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
The ROE for the Vietnam War were not always followed, and there were many instances of civilian casualties and collateral damage during the conflict.
However, these rules did provide a framework for U.S. military forces to conduct themselves in a manner that was consistent with the laws of war and the principles of human rights.
_Here are some specific examples of the ROE for the Vietnam War:_
- U.S. forces were not allowed to fire on civilians unless they were fired upon first, and even then, they were only allowed to use the minimum force necessary to neutralize the threat.
- U.S. forces were not allowed to use artillery or other heavy weapons in populated areas, and they were only allowed to use small arms fire when absolutely necessary.
- U.S. forces were not allowed to destroy civilian property, and they were only allowed to take what was necessary for their own use.
- U.S. forces were required to treat prisoners of war humanely, and they were not allowed to torture them or otherwise abuse them.
The ROE for the Vietnam War were revised several times during the conflict, and they were ultimately replaced by a new set of ROE in 1973.