
Political Policy
Political policy affects the rules of engagement (or Orders of Battle). 
Each President sets the tone for his administration, and this "tone" 
spills over into the engagement policy of the Department of Defense. 
International treaties also determine the rules of surveillance and 
minimum stand-off distances between ships, submarines and aircraft. 
Remember, as a naval officer in command of a warship, you represent the 
United States. Any action you take can have immediate coverage in the news
media, and can impact international relations with the country you offend 
or embarrass. Be as diplomatic as possible, but don't knuckle under to 
implied threats. Meet force with force, if it should be directed at you. 
To advance in rank you must behave as a naval officer and avoid putting 
the ship or your country at risk or in an embarrassing situation.

