When you enter into armed conflict in another country, you should be aware of many of the characteristics of the country. Knowledge of these characteristics will better prepare you to follow the tenets of the laws of armed conflict.

Geography

A general understanding of the geography of a nation will help you to know where the population of the country is concentrated. That knowledge should prepare you to deal with civilians and the enemy as you encounter them. In addition, you should know the general area of the country in which you are operating and the nations that border it. This knowledge may help you in understanding any trends that may have an effect on carrying out the laws of anneal conflict. You should know the capital city and the other major cities, the characteristics of the land (mountains, deserts, plains, etc.), and the climate. Knowledge of all these features will help you to deal with rules of war situations that might arise during your time in the country. You should receive information about the general characteristics of the geography of a nation as part of instructional briefings given in operational deployments.

People

Knowledge of the people in a country can be invaluable to you in how to conduct yourself under the rules of war. Since nearly all offenses under the laws of armed conflict involve people, the more you know about the civilian populace of a country and of your enemy, the better off you will be. Know their ethnic backgrounds, their language, the educational level of the people, the important cultural characteristics (particularly if they are different than the culture of the United States), the religions of the country, and the social customs of the people.

Knowledge of the people is probably the most important thing for you to know about the country. Without it, you cannot begin to understand the way the people think and act. Accordingly, the chances of doing something in violation of the rules of war increase. If the enemy and the people are one and the same, then the questions posed above will serve for both. If not, you need to ask the same questions about the enemy. You must know both the military and nonmilitary characteristics of the enemy.

History

There is no need for you to know the long and detailed history of a country, except as it relates to why you are there. Historical circumstances involving politics, religion, or cultural values may have led to your being in the country. You need to have knowledge of, and be sensitive to, the historical circumstances dictating U.S. Armed Forces involvement in the country. Pay attention when you receive briefings on these matters. Read what you can find on the subject (newspapers, periodicals, etc.). Knowing the history of the country as it relates to your involvement may serve you well if a situation exists where you have to decide what action(s) to take in a wartime situation under the laws of armed conflict.

Economy

Is the country poor or wealthy? Does it have wealth concentrated in a few people and enormous pockets of poverty among the general populace? You need answers to these questions because such conditions may contribute to the way you deal with the people and the enemy of the country. Current economic conditions are also important. (These conditions include growth, inflation, deflation, unemployment, poverty, etc.). Knowledge of the economic condition of a country can lead to an understanding of how the people and the enemy of the country might behave toward you. It might also assist you in preventing a violation of the rules of war.

Foreign Relations

Knowing the alliances, Allies, traditional enemies (if any), and the role of the country in international organizations (for example, the United Nations) can provide you with an understanding of what to expect. Will the country comply with the laws of armed conflict that you fight under, or can you expect behavior contrary to your training?

Government

Knowing something about the nature of the national government in a country may better prepare you to understand the nature and conduct of your enemy as well as the civilian populace, Is the government of the country bound by the Geneva conventions and The Hague resolutions? Will the government prosecute you for a crime against civilians or against the enemy for a violation of the rules of war? Even if the government does not comply with the rules of war in any way, your obligation as a Seabee is to conduct yourself under the laws of armed conflict that you are taught.