Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine pronouns do not refer exclusively to men. The short synopses of laws and regulations contained herein are meant to provide only a thumbnail sketch of the laws and regulations described and are not inclusive of all requirements. This publication is intended only to improve internal management of the Army and USMC and is not intended to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party against the US, its agencies, its officers, or any person. The military s primary mission is to win this nation s wars through the application of overwhelming combat power. Warfare, by its very nature, is destructive to humans and their natural environment.
Environmental damage is a consequence of combat.
However, the commander in the field is often required to restrict the application of force. He is, with increasing frequency, constrained by mission requirements that may restrict the use of much of the combat power inherent in his organization. The US military has historically exercised restraint, even in general war. For example, during World War II in Europe, the military was ordered to limit damage to works of art, churches, monuments, archives and libraries, whenever possible, without endangering troops or mission. Field commanders incorporated this information into their standard decision-making process and made judgments based on military necessity.