ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the presence of the law in military doctrine, in particular targeting doctrine, as well as in non-doctrinal sources relevant to the law of armed conflict. In relation to international law, the process of targeting in most armed conflicts will be governed by the law of armed conflict (LOAC) or international humanitarian law. The chapter considers the fundamental principles underpinning the broader framework of military doctrine. Military doctrine provides military organisations with a common basis for understanding the nature of armed conflicts and its conduct, by which it encourages cohesion. The chapter presents the fundamentals of higher-level doctrine, including the role of doctrine in military operations and doctrinal perspectives on operations. It focuses on the presentation of doctrine that is not expected to involve references to law. The chapter considers the relationship between doctrine and the law in general, with specific reference to the concept of military objective.
