Who has the authority to approve the use of lethal force under the SRUF?

The authority to approve the use of lethal force under the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (SRUF) is vested in commanding officers. This is because commanding officers are responsible for making decisions based on the specific operational context and the legal frameworks that guide those decisions. They are trained to assess the situation on the ground, consider the rules of engagement, and ensure that any use of force is justified under both military and international law.

Commanding officers have the understanding and expertise required to weigh the potential outcomes of employing lethal force, ensuring that such actions align with the mission objectives and legal constraints. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of a structured command hierarchy and the necessity for accountability in military operations. Individual military personnel typically do not have the authority to unilaterally decide on such critical actions, as this could lead to unauthorized or excessive use of force. Similarly, political leaders and international organizations, while playing vital roles in oversight and policy-making, are not directly involved in tactical decisions made in response to immediate threats on the ground, which further reinforces the importance of having designated military leaders empowered to make such decisions.