Well, there is also a distinction between US Political Advisors and UK Policy Advisors. The US one I was seconded to work for was a former US Ambassador; whereas Brit POLADs tend to be terribly bright and frighteningly young FCO or MOD fast-trackers. There job is to remind the Commander of Extant national policy advice, as well as the position of other Coalition players. They also have good connectivity with policy makers in Whitehall (outwith the chain of command) whereas US POLADs exercise a greater degree of autonomy, certainly in my experience in two Theatres (Balkans and Afghanistan). As pointed out above, they don't direct the war or make decisions, but as in the case of LEGADs a commander would need particular good operational imperatives to ignore or contradict sound IHL and LOAC advice, especially on ROE and information-sharing issues.
Last edited by Whenurhappy; 3rd Nov 2013 at 08:05.