What authority do military commanders have relating to the use of force?

Military commanders possess the authority to use necessary and proportional force to achieve mission objectives. This principle is grounded in international law and military doctrine, which emphasize that the use of force must be appropriate to the circumstances and aimed at achieving specific mission goals. The concept of proportionality ensures that the force used is not excessive in relation to the military advantage anticipated from an operation, thereby maintaining a balance between military necessity and humanitarian considerations.

This authority is critical because it allows commanders to respond effectively to threats while ensuring compliance with the laws of armed conflict. Commanders must always assess the operational environment and strive to minimize collateral damage and unnecessary suffering. The guidelines around necessary and proportional force provide a framework within which military operations are conducted, reflecting both ethical considerations and strategic objectives.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings of the legal and practical limitations on the use of force. Military actions are not unrestricted and cannot be executed solely based on the whims of a commander. Furthermore, the idea that force can only be used in declared wars or that commanders are limited to defensive maneuvers undermines the reality of modern military operations, which often occur in complex environments that require flexibility and offensive actions to protect national interests and achieve strategic goals.