text: Chapter 7
  7-7. This chapter summarizes several modes of communications and exchanges and the conditions for their
  implementation. They are not necessarily precise, rigid communications “packages.” A “package” may be
  tailored for the circumstances and mission at hand. Historic examples of communications packages described
  below generally occurred at the operational level or higher. Communication at the tactical level was less
  formal, ad hoc, and sometimes occurred without higher command knowledge or express authorization. For
  example, during the Allied liberation of Italy in World War II, stories abound of the mayor of a town greeting
  a single U.S. Soldier to declare the city “open.” Another example occurred during Operation IRAQI
  FREEDOM, when a large group of Iraqi soldiers surrendered to a Marine traffic control unit. Commanders’
  flexibility, ingenuity and familiarity with the concepts in this chapter are invaluable at such times.
  7-8. Good faith is essential in all non-hostile relations between belligerents. The most scrupulous good faith
  should be observed by both parties. Among other things, the principle of good faith in the context of non-
  hostile relations requires that compacts between belligerents be faithfully adhered to, neither party to a
  conflict take or attempt to gain an advantage not intended by the opposing party, and the means of conducting
  non-hostile relations must not be misused (see DOD Law of War Manual, 12.2).
  PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR COMMANDERS
  7-9. Commanders must act in good faith in non-hostile relations with the enemy. In particular, they must
  strictly comply with agreements made with the enemy, such as armistices, truces, and safe conduct. In
  applying such agreements, commanders must not take advantages that the adversary did not intend to give.
  Commanders also must ensure that their forces do not misuse the means of conducting non-hostile relations,
  such as flags of truce (see DOD Law of War Manual, 12.2).
  7-10. Although commanders must act in good faith, this does not prohibit commanders from continuing
  military operations while negotiations are ongoing. Consistent with the principle of good faith, commanders
  may decline to respond to offers to negotiate, refuse offers to negotiate, or refuse specific offers from the
  enemy for reasons of military expediency (see DOD Law of War Manual, 12.2).
  7-11. Commanders should be prepared to negotiate agreements like local temporary cease-fires, to for
  example, allow for the collection of dead and wounded, or agreements for the surrender of enemy forces.
  Offers by the enemy to negotiate agreements that may have strategic or national-level implications should be
  reported up the chain of command.
  7-12. Under the Code of Conduct for the U.S. armed forces, a commander must never surrender the members
  of his or her command while they still have the means to resist. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
  shameful surrenders are punishable. In addition, compelling or attempting to compel a commander to
  surrender or striking colors or flag to an enemy without proper authority is punishable (see DOD Law of War
  Manual, 12.8.2.1).
  COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BELLIGERENTS
  7-13. Belligerents may communicate with one another directly by telecommunications, through diplomatic
  channels (sometimes through intermediary governments), through a display of a flag of truce and sending of
  parlementaires, indirectly through a protecting power (Common art. 8 to GWS, GWS (Sea), and GPW; GC
  art. 9), international organizations, such as the United Nations, or, when a protecting power has not been
  appointed or agreed upon, through the ICRC or any other impartial humanitarian organization (see DOD Law
  of War Manual, 12.3).
  NECESSITY FOR LOCAL COMMUNICATION
  7-14. In addition to communication between opposing State parties to a conflict at the diplomatic level, local
  communication may be necessary to facilitate the conclusion and implementation of special arrangements,
  including: an armistice, a temporary ceasefire or other arrangement to search for and collect wounded and
  sick military personnel (GWS art. 15; GWS (Sea) art. 18) or civilians (GC art. 16, 17); the establishment of
  agreed routes, heights, and times at which medical aircraft must fly to be entitled to protection from attack
  (GWS art. 36; GWS (Sea) art. 39; GC art. 22); where authorized, battlefield exchange of POWs and retained
  personnel during hostilities; or passage of humanitarian relief supplies (GC art. 23). As an armed conflict