What is required of military personnel before they can use deadly force?

Military personnel are required to identify a clear and immediate threat before using deadly force because this is a fundamental principle of the rules of engagement. The use of deadly force must be justified by the presence of an imminent danger that threatens the life of personnel or others. By confirming that a serious threat exists, military members ensure they are acting within the parameters set by the Standing Rules for the Use of Force, which prioritize the necessity and proportionality of the response. This requirement helps to safeguard against misuse of force and ensures that military actions are both lawful and ethical.

While securing approval from a senior officer, proving the inability to use non-lethal force, or employing one's weapon for practice may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not directly establish a necessary condition for the immediate and justified use of deadly force in the face of a threat. The emphasis on identifying a clear threat ensures that any action taken aligns with the principles of necessity and proportionality that govern the use of force in military operations.