On January 22, 2020, The Judge Advocate General (TJAG), Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) experts, and members of the 68th Graduate Course celebrated the release of Field Manual (FM) 6-27, The Commander’s Handbook on The Law of Land Warfare. Last updated in 1956, the new FM 6-27 provides a long overdue easy reference for commanders and their judge advocates. The FM includes a general description of the LOAC, delineated as statements of doctrine and practice. Practitioners seeking more detailed guidance are encouraged to also consult the DOD Law of War Manual.
During the TJAGLCS event, students heard Professor Geoff Corn, Mr. Mike Meier, Mr. Joe Rutigliano, and judge advocate practitioners discuss the history, process, substance, and future operational impact of FM 6-27. Professor Corn is on faculty at the South Texas College of Law, Mr. Meier is the Army Special Assistant to TJAG for National Security Law issues, and Mr. Rutigliano is the Marine Corps Special Assistant for Law of War Matters. For a more thorough review of the FM, check out the articles written by Mike Meier and Joseph Lacdan.
