text: Chapter 2
  Conduct of Hostilities
  This chapter addresses application of the basic LOAC principles of military necessity,
  humanity, distinction, proportionality, and honor on the battlefield. Among other
  things, it sets forth LOAC rules on the means and methods of warfare, targeting,
  deception, perfidy, general rules related to the conduct of hostilities, and the process to
  ensure the legality of U.S. weapons, weapon systems, and munitions.
  PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR ADHERING TO LOAC
  Soldiers and Marines must comply with LOAC, but they are not expected to be legal experts. They
  should refer LOAC questions to judge advocates. Questions that arise during military operations that cannot
  be resolved at lower levels should be referred through the operational chain of command for resolution (see
  DOD Law of War Manual, 18.3.1.2). In an armed conflict the Parties’ right to adopt means of injuring the
  enemy is not unlimited (HR art. 22; consider AP I art. 35(1)). LOAC regulates the conduct of hostilities
  through principles and rules concerning the means and methods of warfare. The terms means of warfare and
  methods of warfare are not synonymous. In general, means of warfare refers to weapons or devices used to
  conduct warfare, while methods of warfare refer to how warfare is conducted.
  Soldiers and Marines should rely on training and doctrine as LOAC is fundamentally consistent with
  military doctrine that is the basis for effective military operations. For example, the legal principle of
  proportionality is consistent with the military concept of economy of force.
  In U.S. military operations, Rules of Engagement (ROE) are generally reviewed by judge advocates
  for consistency with LOAC, and ROE often impose greater restrictions than LOAC. Conforming to ROE
  will therefore assist Soldiers and Marines in LOAC compliance. Under the Standing Rules of Engagement,
  “[u]nit commanders always retain the inherent right and obligation to exercise unit self-defense in response
  to a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent” (CJCSI 3121.01B). LOAC does not waive this inherent right
  of unit self-defense.
  DISTINCTION BETWEEN MEANS AND METHODS OF WARFARE
  In an armed conflict the right of parties to a conflict to choose means of injuring the enemy is not
  unlimited (HR art. 22; consider AP I art. 35(1)). LOAC regulates the conduct of hostilities through principles
  and rules concerning the means and methods of warfare. The terms “means of warfare” and “methods of
  warfare” are not synonymous. In general, “means of warfare” refer to weapons or devices used to conduct
  warfare, while “methods of warfare” refer to how warfare is conducted.
  For example, an analysis of a means of warfare might consider the legality of an artillery projectile;
  that is, the way in which the projectile is designed to kill or injure enemy combatants. Conversely, a method
  of warfare analysis might consider the way in which the artillery projectile may be employed, particularly
  where employment may have an adverse effect on the civilian population.
  PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
  A fundamental objective of LOAC is to protect civilians—including individuals (if not taking a direct
  part in hostilities) and the general population—from the harmful effects of hostilities. In general, civilians
  may not be the object of direct (intentional) attack (DOD Law of War Manual, 5.5; consider AP I art. 51(2)).
  LOAC attempts to protect civilians by requiring combatants to apply the principles of distinction and
  proportionality, including by taking feasible precautions to avoid incidental harm to civilians when making