LOAC

Military abbreviation · Military Term

LOAC
Stands forLaw of armed conflict
CategoriesMilitary

LOAC stands for Law of armed conflict, a military term abbreviation.

Body of international law, also called international humanitarian law, that regulates conduct in war, built on principles of military necessity, distinction, proportionality, humanity and honor.

Example: LOAC requires that the expected civilian harm not be excessive compared with the military advantage.

Usage notes

Key sources include the Hague Conventions and the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The Defense Department's Law of War Manual sets out US interpretation. Pronounced "LO-ack." Troops receive LOAC training before deployment.

More military term abbreviations

  • JAG – Judge Advocate General
  • JTAC – Joint terminal attack controller
  • JWICS – Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System
  • KIA – Killed in action
  • LD – Line of departure
  • LES – Leave and Earnings Statement
  • LOD – Line of duty
  • LZ – Landing zone
  • MARPAT – Marine Pattern
  • MASCAL – Mass casualty
  • MDMP – Military decision-making process
  • MEDEVAC – Medical evacuation

See all 248 military term abbreviations →