Geneva Conventions & Law of War

Overview

The Geneva Conventions (1949) are four treaties that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war. The U.S. is a signatory, and all Soldiers are bound to follow these laws. Violations are punishable as war crimes under the UCMJ and international law.

The Four Geneva Conventions

1st Convention: Protection of wounded and sick in armed forces in the field.
2nd Convention: Protection of wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea.
3rd Convention: Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs).
4th Convention: Protection of civilian persons in time of war.

Treatment of POWs

Under the 3rd Geneva Convention, POWs must be treated humanely at all times. They must be provided adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care, and cannot be subjected to torture or degradation. If captured, a Soldier is only required to give four pieces of information: Name, Rank, Date of Birth, and Service Number (DoD ID Number).

The 5 S's and a T (Detainee Handling)

• When capturing enemy personnel, Soldiers must use the '5 S's and a T' method:
• Search: Search the detainee for weapons and intelligence.
• Silence: Do not allow detainees to communicate with each other.
• Segregate: Separate detainees by rank, gender, and nationality.
• Safeguard: Protect detainees from harm, abuse, and escape.
• Speed: Move detainees to the rear quickly for processing.
• Tag: Document the detainee with a DD Form 2745 (Capture Tag) detailing who, what, when, where, and why they were captured.

Board Tips

Know the Regulations: FM 6-27 (Law of Land Warfare) and AR 190-8. The biggest trap here is forgetting the 'T' — it is the '5 S's AND A T' (Tag). Know the 'Big Four' things you are required to give if captured (Name, Rank, DOB, Service Number/DoD ID). Scenario Question: 'How do you treat captured enemy combatants?' Answer: 'I would utilize the 5 S's and a T, ensuring I Tag them with a DD Form 2745, and treat them humanely in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.'