The Geneva Conventions Military Medical Doctrine and Special Warfare Operations

This study has attempted to delineate this dilemma by: first, discussing the philosophy, development, and general provisions of the Geneva Conventions in the context of the conventional war for which they were designed; second, by describing the theory and technique of special warfare operations; and how they differ from the warfare operations of the eighteen and first part of the nineteen hundreds; and third, by contrasting the philosophy and selected provisions of the Conventions with the actual conditions existent in special warfare operations. An effort was made to point out the lack of congruity and realism in the relationship of these provisions and the tactics of guerrilla and counter-guerrilla warfare. The conclusion of the study is simple in that it merely suggests that the Conventions, as now constituted, are inadequate to fulfill their intended function in terms of the special warfare operations of today. It is further suggested that the complex nature of man, his unstable political civilization, and the vulgarities of his modern wars may make the formulation of a realistic and workable code of humane treatment for war victims very difficult, if not impossible. This is not to imply that the rules of humane conduct in modern war are passe or that man should resign himself to the fatalistic pessimism of the inevitability of cruel and inhumane war. It does mean, however, that only by a determined, intensive, and sincere effort on the part of the entire community of nations will this dilemma be resolved.