When is deadly force justified according to military regulations?

Deadly force is justified under military regulations primarily in situations of necessity, particularly when lesser means have failed to effectively resolve a threat. This understanding aligns with the principle of proportionality, which mandates that the response to a threat should be appropriate to the level of danger present. If an officer has attempted to use less lethal options, such as verbal de-escalation or non-lethal force, and those efforts have not succeeded in neutralizing the threat, then the use of deadly force may become justified to protect oneself or others from imminent harm.

This approach emphasizes the importance of evaluating the situation holistically, ensuring that deadly force is a last resort in dire circumstances where all other options have proven ineffective. It also helps to frame the use of force within a legal and ethical context, emphasizing the responsibility of officers to weigh their options carefully in the face of life-threatening situations. This rationale is crucial for maintaining accountability and ensuring that the use of force is measured and justified.