Rules of Engagement
Public Summary — Redacted Operational Doctrine
PURPOSE & SCOPE
This document provides a public summary of HLN Rules of Engagement (ROE). It clarifies the legal and ethical framework governing use of force by HLN personnel while protecting sensitive operational detail.
Section I — Core Principles
Foundational framework for all force decisions.
1.1Defensive Posture
HLN forces: do not initiate expansionist war; do not conduct punitive raids absent defensive necessity; do not employ force for territorial acquisition. Force is authorized solely for defense, stabilization, or lawful partner support.
1.2Necessity and Proportionality
All force must meet two thresholds. Necessity: a credible threat exists and no reasonable non-force alternative remains. Proportionality: response must not exceed threat magnitude; force scaled to neutralize, not punish.
1.3Distinction
Personnel must distinguish between: combatants, non-combatants, civilian infrastructure, and dual-use infrastructure. Deliberate targeting of civilians is prohibited.
Section II — Authorized Use of Force
Graduated response model and authorization conditions.
2.1Graduated Response Model
Level 0 — Observation: monitoring, identification, communication attempts. Level 1 — Warning: directed hails, visual deterrence posture, warning shots where safe. Level 2 — Disablement: targeted system disruption, shield overload, engine incapacitation. Level 3 — Defensive Engagement: active weapons engagement against confirmed hostile actors, civilian evacuation protocols activated. Level 4 — Sustained Defensive Operations: multi-unit defensive coordination, infrastructure shielding, stabilization measures. Operational specifics are classified.
2.2Self-Defense
Personnel retain inherent right of self-defense when: under direct attack, facing imminent lethal threat, or protecting civilians from immediate harm. Self-defense actions must still comply with proportionality standards.
2.3Defense of Infrastructure
HLN may use force to protect: trade corridors, medical facilities, water and atmospheric systems, UCI administrative nodes, and civilian habitation centers. Force must be calibrated to preserve surrounding civilian assets.
Section III — Restricted Actions
Prohibited conduct during operations.
3.1Prohibitions
The following are prohibited: indiscriminate weapons use in populated zones; targeting medical or evacuation vessels; collective punishment; retaliatory strikes absent active threat; torture or coercive interrogation. Violations constitute grounds for tribunal review under HLN civil protections standards.
Section IV — Command Authority
Authorization levels and adaptation rules.
4.1Authorization
Engagement authority depends on threat level: Patrol Commanders may authorize Levels 0–2; Sector Command may authorize Level 3; Strategic Command Review required for Level 4 sustained operations. All Level 3+ engagements require incident documentation within 24 standard hours.
4.2Rules Adaptation
ROE may be modified under: declared Stabilization Emergency, partner defense treaty activation, or confirmed mass-casualty threat. Modifications must be time-bound, documented, and reviewed by Strategic Command.
Section V — Civilian Protection Measures
Evacuation priority and post-incident accountability.
5.1Evacuation Priority
When engagements occur near civilian population centers: establish safe corridors, broadcast evacuation instructions, deploy Civil Services Command units for medical response, limit heavy ordnance. Civilian life preservation overrides tactical advantage unless existential threat is present.
5.2Post-Incident Accountability
Each weapons discharge event triggers: incident log entry, After Action Report (AAR), civilian harm assessment, review by compliance authority. Summarized findings may be released publicly.
Section VI — Detention During Engagement
Treatment of captured hostile actors.
6.1Captured Personnel Standards
Captured hostile actors: must be disarmed, must receive medical screening, must be processed under Due Process Act standards, may not be indefinitely detained. Rights protections codified under HLN civil framework.
HLN’s strength is structured.
Its restraint is deliberate.