Which legal document provides the overarching legal framework for the SRUF?

The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) serves as the overarching legal framework for the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (SRUF) because it outlines the legal principles governing the conduct of military operations, including the use of force. LOAC establishes the rules that nations and their armed forces must follow during armed conflicts, ensuring that military actions are conducted in a manner that is lawful and respects internationally recognized standards. This includes principles such as distinction between combatants and non-combatants, proportionality, and necessity, all of which inform the guidelines set forth in the SRUF.

While the Constitution of the United States provides the foundational legal structure for the US government and its military operations, it does not specifically address the nuances of military engagement and conflict scenarios like LOAC does. The Geneva Conventions are a specific part of LOAC that deals primarily with the treatment of non-combatants and the wounded during warfare, but LOAC encompasses a broader set of rules applicable to various aspects of armed conflict. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth fundamental human rights but does not specifically focus on military operations or the use of force in armed conflict. Thus, LOAC is the most appropriate legal document that underpins the SRUF.