Documents - Final Report
Annex J - Relevant Air Orders and Instructions
Description of the SAFIRE reporting requirement
Self-defence includes the action of a U.S. forces unit in defending itself,
sub-units and other U.S. forces in the vicinity, or, for national self-defence,
the U.S., U.S. forces, and in certain circumstances, U.S. citizens, their property,
U.S. commercial assets, and other designated non-U.S. [Coalition] forces, foreign
nationals and their property, against a hostile act or hostile intent.
As to both unit and national self-defence, the right to use armed force in
self-defence depends upon two elements: necessity and proportionality.
The requirement of necessity, or present danger, normally arises when a
hostile act occurs. The right and obligation of self-defence may also involve
using armed force against hostile intent. In either case, proportionality
requires that the use of force be limited in intensity, duration, and magnitude
to what is reasonably required to counter the hostile act or hostile intent.
Under the concept of self-defence in peacetime, force may NOT be used
with a view to inflicting reprisal or retaliation for acts already committed.
Where acts already committed reflect a pattern of hostile acts which can reasonably
be expected to continue based on all valid indications, actions in self-defence
may be taken to eliminate the continuing threat.
It is critical, however, that coalition forces plan and execute such that they
minimize the chance of a self-defence situation. (emphasis added)
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