Navy OCS Division Officer (DIVO) Practice Test

LOAC, or the Law of Armed Conflict, establishes the rules for how warfare is conducted. Its purpose is to limit suffering during war by protecting those not taking part in hostilities—civilians, the wounded, and medical personnel—and by restricting the methods and means used in combat. It balances military necessity with humanity, ensuring actions have a legitimate military objective while avoiding unnecessary harm. The framework comes from international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and it applies to armed conflict regardless of who is involved. By defining protections for people and prohibitions on certain weapons and tactics, LOAC guides how forces conduct operations, distinguish between military targets and civilians, and take precautions to minimize harm. In contrast, domestic criminal law deals with crimes within a country, trade regulations govern commerce, and monetary policy shapes the economy—areas not about how war is waged.