What should a Marine on patrol do if they encounter an enemy soldier attempting to surrender, according to the Law of War principles?

When a Marine on patrol encounters an enemy soldier attempting to surrender, the appropriate response, in accordance with the Law of War principles, is to disarm that individual. Disarming them ensures that the enemy combatant cannot pose a threat to either the Marines or fellow soldiers during the process of surrender. Under the Law of Armed Conflict, it is crucial to treat surrendered personnel humanely and with respect, which includes taking measures to secure their weapons and prevent any immediate harm.

Disarming the surrendering individual is also part of the continued obligation to ensure operational security and to comply with the broader directives surrounding the treatment of prisoners of war. This action aligns with international humanitarian law, which emphasizes the importance of differentiating between combatants who are actively fighting and those who are no longer participating in hostilities.

Other responses, while they may seem valid, do not adhere to the obligations of the Law of War. For example, capturing implies the initial disarmament process; however, simply focusing on capturing without disarming could lead to complications. Negotiating for their release is generally not an option when they have surrendered, as their status as a prisoner of war needs to be established first. Allowing them to flee contradicts the responsibility to secure and disarm any potential