Proportionality

Perhaps it would assist the general discussion if folks understood that proportionality, as used in the law of armed conflict, is a legal term with specific meaning, not a point of rhetorical argument. Thus, as my old mentor Hays Parks says in the Deskbook for the USMC Law of War Course, "Military Necessity" is defined as "Such destruction, and only such destruction, as is necessary, relevant, and proportionate to the prompt realization of legitimate military objectives," citing Miles McDougal. Its elements include that: a) the force used is capable of being regulated, b) the force is necessary to achieve enemy submission as soon as possible, and consistent with military security requirements, c) the force is not greater than needed to achieve the enemy's submission (in terms of the overall conflict), and d) the force is not otherwise prohibited.