The Washington Times has obtained the confidential "rules of engagement" for an Army military police brigade in Iraq. It shows soldiers enjoy wide latitude in deciding when to defend themselves and buddies with deadly force.

The rules state, in part, "You may use force, up to and including deadly force against hostile actors in self-defense; in defense of your unit, or other U.S. forces; [and] to prevent the theft, damage or destruction of firearms, ammunition, explosives or property designated by your commander as vital to national security. Protect other property with less than deadly force."

The rules also give military police the flexibility of using lethal force in subduing detainees.

"If U.S. or coalition forces or innocent civilians are being attacked or reasonably perceived to be in danger you are authorized to respond with deadly force without first employing less forms of force," the rules state. "Any persons demonstrating hostile intent or committing a hostile act may be engaged using necessary and proportional force, up to and including deadly force."

The document urges MPs to first shout a verbal warning, using the word for "halt" that sounds like "cough" in Arabic; shove or block access; show your weapon; and, if that fails, "shoot to remove the threat of death/serious bodily injury or to protect designated property."

Finally, the rules say, do not fire warning shots. "Fire only aimed shots."

Below: Spc. Michael Doerr, from the 940th Military Police Company, provides security with his 50-caliber machine gun, as his unit visits an Iraqi police station in Diwaniyah on June 24, 2005.

Below: Soldiers from Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command provide security for a civil affairs mission in Tikrit, Iraq on July 14, 2005.

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