In this essay for The Free Press, Elliot Ackerman examines the legal and ethical questions raised by threats to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. Drawing on his experience as a Marine infantry officer and his understanding of the laws of war, Ackerman considers what happens when political rhetoric places service members in a difficult legal position.
At the center of the essay is a basic but consequential question: what obligations do troops have if they are asked to carry out orders that may violate international law?
Military Orders and the Laws of War
Ackerman explains that service members are required to follow lawful orders and refuse unlawful ones. Under the Geneva Conventions, customary international humanitarian law, and the rules of armed conflict, civilians and civilian objects cannot be intentionally targeted.
Infrastructure such as bridges, power plants, and water systems may become lawful targets only when they serve a military purpose. Broad threats against civilian infrastructure raise serious legal and ethical concerns.
Why Intent Matters
Ackerman draws on his experience during the 2004 Second Battle of Fallujah to explain the importance of intent in war. He discusses the use of white phosphorus as a smoke screen during military operations and contrasts lawful military necessity with the unlawful targeting of civilians.
The distinction matters because the legality of a military action often depends not only on the weapon or target, but also on the purpose behind its use.
The Burden on Service Members
The essay also considers the burden placed on commanders and troops when civilian leaders use rhetoric that appears to blur legal boundaries. Service members must trust that political leaders understand the costs and limits of military power.
When that trust is strained, the consequences extend beyond a single operation. They affect military discipline, democratic accountability, international law, and America’s credibility abroad.
Read the Full Essay
Read Elliot Ackerman’s full essay, “Is Trump Asking Troops to Commit War Crimes?” at The Free Press.