The Ethical Dimension of Rules of Engagement -

The Canadian Experience in Somalia

Operation DeliveranceDecember 1992- May 1993

“A Significant Incident”

Aim: To examine the ethical dimensions of Rules of

Engagement (ROE) in an operational setting

The approach...

• Background

• You’re in the Airborne now!

• Plenary discussion

• Wrap-up

Background...

CIA World Fact Book: Somalia Profile (1992)“Government type: None”“Legal system: NA”

BackgroundCanada responds...

Background

BackgroundROE in Somalia

• UNOSOM to UNITAF on 3 Dec 1992Chapter VI (Self Defence) to Chap VII (Peace-

making)

• ROE not rehearsed in training

• ROE approved after troops in theatre

• ROE amendments post deployment

Congratulations! You’re in the Airborne...

Congratulations! You’re in the Airborne...

Congratulations! You’re in the Airborne...

Well Sergeant, it’s like this...

“...for weeks the Somalis had been breaking into our compounds stealing everything from

diesel cans to hand grenades. Dozens of Somalis were captured, turned over to the

local police then released because there are no jails. Everything is being blown way out of proportion and sensationalised. I just wish I

knew more of what was going on.In the following days, our grenades were thrown back at us and the aid workers.”

A member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Somalia

“Ladies & Gentlemen, orders!”

What are the ethical dimensions?

What are the ethical dimensions?

Military responsibility to issue timely and unambiguous ROE

Military responsibility to ensure unit “Op Ready”

Military responsibility to Govt

Govt responsibility to military

Military responsibility of C of C to enforce ROE

Individual responsibility to do the right thing!

Wrap-up

“The transmogrification in military ethos that the Canadian Forces has undergone after Somalia, is not unlike that which the US Army underwent after Vietnam”

A Canadian DS at ACSC desperately

wanting to be quoted for

something somewhere

“From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success” Song from Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang

“The Significant Incident”

• Maj - 3 months in jail, discharged• Capt - Reduced in rank to Lt, reprimand• Sgt - 1 yr in prison, reduced in rank to Pte• MCpl - Attempted suicide. Unfit to stand trial• Pte - Sentenced to five years in prison. Served

18 months and discharged