Written by Todd DePastino
Over the past few days, Los Angeles has seen intense civil unrest following federal immigration raids. President Donald Trump responded by federalizing the California National Guard and deploying around 700 Marines to the city. These moves have ignited a national debate over the use of military force on U.S. soil.
The VBC is a non-political and non-partisan organization which doesn’t comment on politically-charged debates or current events and doesn’t advocate for legislation, public policy, or political candidates.
However, our VBC community represents a wealth of knowledge and information about the military and its culture, legal structure, and operational capacity. Our veterans and experts can shed light on current events and the debates that roil our public life.
That is certainly the case with respect to the recent mobilization of troops and Marines in Los Angeles. Most of us are familiar with the idea that the military follows a strict chain of command and operates under clear rules when it goes to war overseas. But what about when U.S. troops are deployed here at home—after a hurricane, during a terrorist attack, or in cases of civil unrest? What are the Rules of Engagement under such conditions?
The answer lies in a little-known set of guidelines called the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (SRUF), issued in 2005 by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. These rules are very different from the ones used in combat zones. They’re written with American laws and constitutional rights in mind and are designed to make sure that any use of military force on U.S. soil is limited, legal, and accountable. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines must be trained in these rules before serving on American streets.
Here are the Rules of the Use of Force, broken down in simple language:
1. These rules apply at home, not abroad.
The SRUF governs how and when U.S. military personnel can use force within the United States and its territories. These situations might include protecting military bases, helping during disasters, responding to terrorist threats, or supporting local law enforcement during large-scale emergencies.
They are not the same rules used during combat missions. The domestic rules are much stricter.
2. Force is allowed only in very limited situations.
Troops are only allowed to use force in a few clearly defined circumstances:
To protect themselves or others from immediate danger.
To stop someone from committing a violent act.
To protect critical military property or missions.
Even then, the force must be proportional. That is, Servicemembers can only use as much force as needed to stop the threat. Warnings, verbal commands, and non-lethal methods should come first. Physical force is a last resort.
3. Lethal force is tightly restricted.
Lethal force (like firing a weapon) can only be used if someone poses an immediate threat of death or serious harm. This is the same standard used by police officers.
For example: if someone is about to attack with a deadly weapon, or driving a vehicle into a secured military area at high speed and refuses to stop, then troops may be authorized to act with deadly force. But again, it must be a last resort.
4. No warning shots. No rough handling.
The rules forbid the firing of warning shots. They also limit the use of physical restraint or detention to very specific situations. If someone is temporarily detained they must be handed over to civilian authorities as soon as possible.
5. Troops aren’t police officers.
The military does not have the same role as law enforcement. These rules make it clear that military personnel supporting civil authorities do not replace police or federal agents. Their job is usually to support, secure, and protect and not arrest, investigate, or patrol.
6. All actions must be reported and reviewed.
Any time force is used, it must be reported through the chain of command immediately. There is strong oversight in place to ensure that all actions are documented and justified.
7. Troops receive special training on these rules.
Every service member who could be deployed in a domestic setting must be trained on these use-of-force rules. They learn how to recognize threats, de-escalate situations, and protect people and property while staying within legal bounds.
These 2005 rules were written to balance the need for security with the rights of citizens, reinforcing the principle that the military serves the people.
