In another DailyKos article and the ensuing thread is some discussion over allegations that the South Dakota National Guard troops who broke up the Lakota road blockade near Mount Rushmore were transported in military ambulances, marked with the red cross.
The red cross — used as a symbol by the American Red Cross and the International Red Cross — is applied to military vehicles, personnel, and installations that are used for medical purposes only — ambulances, medical evacuation helicopters, Air Force medical evacuation aircraft, hospitals, hospital tents, and the like. Muslim countries use a green cross. Anything marked with the red cross is not to be attacked, nor can it be used to house troops, supplies, or military equipment.
I’m also concerned about the fact that the helicopter(s) used to harass protestors in DC was marked with the red cross . . . obviously a National Guard medevac helicopter.
I’ve been retired from the Army since 1995 and it’s been a long time since I was taught the Law of Land Warfare and the Hague and Geneva Conventions. Still, I can’t help but think these two actions, using the cover of the red cross, are prohibited. However, I suspect if the Trump administration is called to account for their abuse of the red cross, they will argue that such prohibitions do not apply in domestic situations.
Here is the comment I left on the Kos article describing the July 3 confrontation. The Chief of the Guard Bureau needs to hear from us. If there’s a lawyer out there who is familiar with the Law of Land Warfare . . . .
www.dailykos.com/...
General Joseph L. Lengyel is Chief, National Guard Bureau.
Mailing address is:
111 S. George Mason Dr.
Arlington, VA 22204
Here’s their CONTACT US page:
www.nationalguard.mil/…
They need to hear from us. I’m writing a letter to the chief, put it in the mail today. The gist of my letter is:
“According to press reports, NG troops who confronted legal protestors near Mt. Rushmore on July 3 arrived in combat ambulances with Red Cross markings. As far as I know, the use of medical vehicles to transport non-medical personnel for tactical purposes is a violation of the Geneva Convention.
I served thirty years as an Army infantry officer including three tours in Vietnam. If Guard troops did engage in such a subterfuge, their action degrades all of us who wear the uniform.
I request you investigate this matter immediately.
Signed; My name; My rank”