text: Non-Hostile Relations Between Belligerents
  NOTIFICATION, COMMENCEMENT OF, AND BINDING EFFECT OF ARMISTICE
  7-105. An armistice must be notified officially and in good time to the competent authorities and to the
  forces. Hostilities are suspended immediately after the notification, or on the date fixed (HR 38). It is the
  obligation of the contracting authorities to disseminate the armistice officially and in good time to subordinate
  commands. Commanders are responsible only from the time of receipt of official notification of the armistice.
  There may be reasonable differences between the agreed time and date for commencement and time of
  notification at the local unit level. .
  7-106. Significant differences between the agreed date and notification may be regarded as tantamount to
  breach of the agreement. Risk of this situation may be reduced by specifying a reasonable period of time for
  notification by each side prior to the time and date specified for an armistice to enter into effect. Parties may
  agree to, or unilaterally execute, a partial armistice pending commencement of an agreed armistice.
  PROHIBITED ACTS
  7-107. An armistice is a cessation of hostilities for the time period agreed upon by the parties. Belligerent
  forces affected by an armistice are prohibited from engaging in any act expressly prohibited by the armistice,
  any act contrary to the express terms of the agreement, and any other act inconsistent with the purpose for
  the armistice. These acts would include any offensive military operations, such as conducting attacks or
  seizing territory beyond its lines. For example, an overt penetration of opposing forces’ lines or territory or
  neutral territory, including tunneling to penetrate enemy lines or positions or to escape a besieged position,
  would constitute a violation of the armistice. Airborne penetration of enemy airspace is prohibited unless
  expressly agreed otherwise. Each party, however, retains the right to resort to use of force in self-defense if
  fired upon.
  7-108. Absent express agreement, an armistice does not give authorities of a besieged place the right to
  receive food, water, or other provisions for military forces or the civilian population beyond what LOAC
  already requires concerning civilians. Obligations concerning the transport of medical supplies, religious
  supplies, and food to civilians are outlined in Chapter 5 (GC art. 23).
  PERMISSIBLE ACTS
  7-109. In the absence of written agreement to the contrary, each belligerent is entitled to take steps that are
  not offensive in character, but will tend to improve its situation. This includes, but is not limited to, troop
  movement within its own lines; troop reinforcements; construction of new fortifications, installations, and
  bases; construction and repair of transportation and communications facilities; intelligence collection;
  movement of supplies and equipment; and in general, taking advantage of the time and means at its disposal
  to prepare for possible resumption of hostilities.
  7-110. Espionage or clandestine ground force reconnaissance behind opposing lines is not prohibited; but
  individuals captured while engaged in espionage are subject to the risks entailed under LOAC the same as at
  other times (HR art. 29; consider AP I art. 46).
  INDIVIDUAL VIOLATIONS
  7-111. An armistice violation by an individual Soldier, Marine, or a small group of Soldiers or Marines
  acting on their own initiative does not constitute a serious violation of an armistice, nor does it provide a
  basis for renunciation of the armistice. The injured party, however, is entitled to demand punishment of such
  Soldiers or Marines for their unauthorized acts, or, if necessary, compensation for the losses sustained (HR
  art. 41).
  7-112. Deliberate violation of the terms of an armistice by individuals is punishable as a war crime. Such
  violations by individual members of the armed forces or subordinate officers do not justify denunciation of
  the armistice unless they are proved to have been committed with the knowledge and actual or tacit consent
  of their own government or commander. Consent may be inferred in the event of a persistent failure to punish
  such offenders (see DOD Law of War Manual, 12.13.2.2).