Dated 7 August 2019 (with Change 1 dated Sep 2019)

The lessons of protracted conflict confirm that adherence to the law of armed conflict (LOAC) by the land forces, both in international and non-international armed conflict, must serve as the standard that we train to and apply across the entire range of military operations. LOAC has been and remains a vital guide for all military operations conducted by the U.S. Government. This field manual provides a general description of the law of land warfare for Soldiers and Marines, delineated as statements of doctrine and practice, to guide the land forces in conducting disciplined military operations in accordance with the rule of law.

This field manual has been over 20 years in the making and owes much to the judge advocates, Soldiers, Marines, and civilian employees who have endeavored to update The Law of Land Warfare since its publication.

Preface

Commanders, staffs, and subordinates must ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable U.S., international, and in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels will ensure that their Soldiers or Marines operate in accordance with the law of armed conflict (LOAC) and applicable rules of engagement.

This publication provides guidance to Soldiers and Marines on the doctrine and practice related to customary and treaty law applicable to the conduct of warfare on land and to relationships  between opposing belligerents, in order to train and prepare for combat operations.

This is an official publication of the U.S. Army and a referenced publication for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The principal audience for this publication is Army and Marine Corps commanders as well as Army and Marine Corps judge advocates. Commanders and staffs of Army and Marine Corps headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine. Trainers and educators throughout the Army and Marine Corps will also use this publication where appropriate.

This book is a "BIG" size (the size of a regular sheet of paper).

The covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.

Coil binding is used allowing for easy page flipping with jamming.

(We also have this book in "Mini" (half the size of a regular sheet of paper) on this website.  Mini size is a popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading.on this website).