In conclusion, there should be no doubt as to the commitment of the Army to abide by the appropriate laws and standards in all armed conflicts. Hamdan, the DTA, the MCA, and DOD Directive 2311.01E are all very public pronouncements on the commitment of the United States to abide by the law of armed conflict. The Supreme Court's discrediting the idea of a "no law" zone, the amendment to the WCA, the establishment of humane treatment as the minimum legal standard for treatment of detainees on the battlefield, and the publication of DOD Directive 2311.01E reinforce the foundational principles of conduct among Soldiers and the military's commitment to maintain the highest rules of conduct for our profession. These actions reinforce the principle that CA3 is the minimum standard of conduct for treatment in armed conflicts and that U.S. military conduct during armed conflict or other military operations is guided, as a matter of policy, by the law applicable to international armed conflict. In addition, they provide clear standards that Judge Advocate General officers can teach and inject in training. It is through the training and subsequent internalization of these doctrines and principles that the true effect of Hamdan, the DTA, and the MCA on the LOW will be demonstrated.
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