Military offences

Military crimes
Khaki-collar crime

Nature

Both in times of peace and in times of war, individuals or groups from military forces may use their privileged position, particularly as foreigners based on allied territory, to act with immunity against civilians or civilian property. This may include deliberate destruction of property, such as field crops, by armoured vehicles on manoeuvre.

Background

Military offences have drawn international attention since the codification of military law in the 19th century, notably with the Lieber Code (1863) and subsequent Hague and Geneva Conventions. Their global significance intensified during the World Wars, as courts-martial and tribunals exposed the complexities of discipline, justice, and human rights within armed forces. Ongoing conflicts and peacekeeping missions have further highlighted the challenges of addressing military offences across diverse legal and cultural contexts.

Incidence

Military offences occur globally across all branches of armed forces, affecting both developed and developing nations. Incidents range from desertion and insubordination to more severe crimes such as war crimes and unauthorized use of force. The prevalence of such offences undermines military discipline, operational effectiveness, and public trust, with thousands of cases reported annually in countries with large standing armies.
In 2022, the Russian military faced widespread reports of desertion and refusal to fight among its troops during the invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities reportedly prosecuted hundreds of soldiers for abandoning their posts or disobeying orders, highlighting the ongoing challenge of military offences in active conflict zones.

Claim

Military offences are a deeply serious problem that threatens the integrity, discipline, and effectiveness of armed forces worldwide. Such offences undermine trust, endanger lives, and compromise national security. Ignoring or minimizing these violations erodes morale and sets a dangerous precedent. Addressing military offences with utmost seriousness is essential to uphold justice, protect human rights, and maintain the honor and reliability of military institutions. This issue demands urgent and unwavering attention.

Counter-claim

Military offences are vastly overemphasized and do not constitute an important problem in today’s world. Modern militaries are highly regulated, and instances of serious misconduct are rare and swiftly addressed. Focusing on military offences distracts from far more pressing global issues like poverty, climate change, and public health. The attention given to this topic is disproportionate and unwarranted, making it a minor concern compared to the real challenges facing society.