What should a soldier do if they encounter a threatening individual?

When a soldier encounters a threatening individual, the decision to detain the individual only if necessary aligns with the principle of proportionality, which is central to the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (SRUF). This principle emphasizes that the use of force must be appropriate to the situation at hand and that any action taken should be the minimum necessary to address the threat.

In situations where the threat can be mitigated or resolved without resorting to excessive force, the soldier's role is to assess the immediacy and severity of the threat before taking action. This could involve paying close attention to whether the individual poses a direct danger or if there are alternative measures to ensure safety. Detaining the individual is justified only if no other reasonable options are available and such action is crucial in preventing harm to themselves or others.

The training emphasizes the importance of exercising judgment and using de-escalation techniques whenever possible. Therefore, detaining the individual is suitable in cases where immediate action is required to safeguard safety, while still adhering to the protocols of using force appropriately.