15 October 2010

ROE Getting Congressional Attention

According to the Army Times, the Congress has been briefed on downrange rules of engagement.

The House Armed Services Committee has quietly received a confidential briefing about the rules of engagement used by the U.S. military in Afghanistan after numerous members expressed concern that they handcuff U.S. troops in combat.

The briefing was held Sept. 22, said a source with knowledge of the committee’s schedule, speaking on background due to the sensitivity of the issue. A spokesperson for the committee confirmed it occurred but declined to say when or who testified, citing its classified nature.

The briefing was held as a growing number of service members, veterans and military families express concern that the rules of engagement — guidelines for how and when U.S. forces can use force — handcuff service members in combat, putting them at unnecessary risk.


By: Brant

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