Understanding weapon control states
A weapon control status is a condition set by the most Commander of an operation. It describes the terms under which elements can engage valid targets. Under normal conditions a rifleman or element would contact report a target and await authorisation to fire. A weapon control status modifies this condition and allows those elements to fire using self authorisation under certain conditions, based on target identification criteria. The Commander sets and adjusts weapons control states based on friendly and enemy disposition and clarity of the overall situation.
A weapon control state is a temporary condition and is not the same as the Rules of Engagement (ROE) or the Law of armed conflict (LOAC) which always apply.
