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Modern warfare operates with rules and laws aimed at keeping hostilities
between warring factions and away from civilians and their property.
The first step in minimizing collateral damage and loss of civilian life
is adhering to the laws of armed conflict -
which all ISAF forces do.
If proper care and attention is not paid to keeping these rules,
then the results could be disastrous.
Important decisions therefore fall to the highest in command.
Looking at the collateral damage process when we are talking about deliberate targeting -
so that's not in the case of self-defense but we are going after a target -
there is a very robust process in place and depending on the target
and the environment around the target
it is either being decided at the lower level, or the higher level.
Which means, if there's a chance of collateral damage, if that goes up,
then the decision-making is also going up-chain and it could be all the way up to COMISAF
before we do an attack or anything in this field.
Air power in Afghanistan is used only in direct support of Marines or Coalition forces on the ground
and only under very specific circumstances.
Anytime we're gonna use air power requires: first,
positive identification, or PID, that the forces we're looking at are in fact enemy.
It also always requires the approval of a ground commander.
ISAF forces use very precise targeting processes. Laser-guided weaponry and GPS-orientated missiles
mean precision hits on targets and a very small margin for error.
Targeting is an intricate process. Many things are considered.
We have advanced weapons systems with precision munitions.
And we take care and match in the appropriate ordnance to produce the desired effect on the target.
As times change, so do techniques and procedures. But proportionality of targets remains a constant
for the International Security Assistance Forces.
All our measures are continually under review.
As the situation changes, our response changes, and it comes back to that essential question of proportionality.
All one ever wants to use is the absolute bare minimum of force required to do the job.
Minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage is an ongoing challenge.
And one made even harder by the insurgents' disregard for the law of armed conflict.
What I've seen in the last year is is that the number of civilian casualties are going down
On the one hand, that's because of the robust procedures we have in place, and the better assistance we have out here,
which gives us better information, so we can do our job better.
On the other hand, the enemy has vaulted in this area...
if they are hiding behind civilians or going on patrol with children,
we have seen that. We have proof of that. And if we cannot see it,
because it’s not visible to us, then there might be civilian casualties -
if we see it, we will never attack.
...to my ground commander. The Taliban is also using women and children as a human shield.
so we're not gonna perform a warning shot due to collateral damage. Out. Copy.
ISAF is there to support the government of Afghanistan and its agents.
And if insurgents leave our forces alone and those Afghan allies,
then there won't be any violence here in Afghanistan at all.
And that's our premise, so as I say, a trip whereby everyone's come back having provided protection
but without having to use any force at all is the perfect deterrent mission.
This is William Bonnett for NATO Channel, Afghanistan. Subtitles by Yavor Ivanov
