Australia
Practice Relating to Rule 57. Ruses of War
Australia’s Commanders’ Guide (1994) provides: “Ruses of war are lawful methods of deception that, over time, have been accepted as legitimate methods of fighting. Examples of ruses are: a. camouflage … b. decoys … c. false signals … d. surprise and ambush, and e. diversionary tactics.”
The manual also states: “Ruses of war are used to obtain an advantage by misleading the enemy. They are permissible provided they are free from any suspicion of treachery or perfidy and do not violate any expressed or tacit agreement.”
Australia’s Defence Force Manual (1994) states:
Ruses of war and the employment of measures necessary for obtaining information about the enemy and the enemy country are permissible. Ruses of war are used to obtain an advantage by misleading the enemy. They are permissible provided they are free from any suspicion of treachery or perfidy. Legitimate ruses include surprises, ambushes, camouflage, decoys, mock operations and misinformation. Psychological operations are also permitted.
Australia’s LOAC Manual (2006) states:
Ruses of war and the employment of measures necessary for obtaining information about the enemy and the enemy country are permissible. Ruses of war are used to obtain an advantage by misleading the enemy. They are permissible provided they are free from any suspicion of treachery or perfidy. Legitimate ruses include surprises, ambushes, camouflage, decoys, mock operations and misinformation. Psychological operations are also permitted.
The LOAC Manual (2006) replaces both the Defence Force Manual (1994) and the Commanders’ Guide (1994).