Who approves and issues the standing rules of engagement?

The standing rules of engagement (ROE) are critical guidelines that dictate how military forces engage enemies and allied forces in various scenarios. The authority to approve and issue these rules lies specifically with the U.S. President and the Secretary of Defense. This is because the President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has the ultimate responsibility for military decisions, including those that pertain to the use of force and engagement protocols.

The Secretary of Defense plays a key role in formulating and recommending these rules due to their position overseeing the Department of Defense and its operations. Together, they ensure that the ROE align with U.S. policy objectives and national security interests. This collaborative effort allows them to establish clear directives that can adapt to the complexities of military engagement, ensuring that forces operate within defined legal and ethical boundaries.

In contrast, other options do not hold the authority required to issue or approve the ROE. While Congress has the power to declare war and oversee military budgets, it does not engage in setting operational guidelines for military conduct. The United Nations can create resolutions related to international peacekeeping and security, but it does not have the jurisdiction to dictate the ROE for U.S. military forces. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of a military