One should never assume that political leaders are blessed with gifts of common sense. Indeed, almost all seem to be blinded by ego, some twisted form of idealogy and/or self promotion to achieve wealth and status, to the extent that they are unable to resolve moral dilemas that a debating group of intelligent 18 year-olds would make a good stab at.
On another issue, Service personel should be in no doubt about the position they hold in the eye of the "Law". The "Law" is a total ass! You are expected to have total knowledge of LOAC, the Geneva Convention and all laws. It also helps if you are fighting on the winning side and are never captured by your enemy.
OAP