Decisions Under Fire: Honor and Law in Action
Geneva Call developed Decisions Under Fire, a specialized training tool designed to address the complex realities faced by combatants on the ground, in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Recognizing the need for practical, context-specific guidance, the tool supports the dissemination and understanding of international humanitarian norms among armed actors engaged in the conflict. Its primary aim is to bridge knowledge gaps and promote compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), reinforcing Geneva Call’s commitment to protecting civilians and fostering responsible behavior during armed conflict.
Although Decisions Under Fire was developed by Geneva Call against the background of the armed conflict in Ukraine, its approach and methodology make it a valuable resource for training combatants in other conflict-affected regions as well.
The Name: Why “Decisions Under Fire”?
Combat decisions take place in seconds—amid uncertainty, danger, and stress. Decisions Under Fire reflects this intensity. It’s not just a title—it’s a mindset. This training tool challenges users to decide under pressure, while under fire—where their choices reveal who they are as soldiers and professionals.
What It Is
“Decisions Under Fire” is an interactive military training tool that uses a first-person perspective, gamified platform to teach core principles of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC). It combines:
• Cinematic CGI, immersive audio, and timed decisions,
• Branching paths based on real-world military dilemmas,
• Battle Damage Assessments (BDAs) and key learning points at the end of each mission,
• Realistic, practical tutorials that reinforce good decision-making in complex situations.
It is built specifically for fighters and commanders, bridging tactical realism with ethical leadership and compliance with the law of armed conflict.
Meet Captain Ihor Korolenko
Captain Ihor Korolenko is a digital training officer, a Metahuman character built with high-end CGI based on input from Ukrainian and international military experts. He appears at key moments in the tool—giving encouragement, tactical insights, and after-action feedback in Battle Damage Assessments (BDAs). His tone is calm, respectful, and mission-focused. He speaks with the authority of someone who has served on the battlefield and understands LOAC deeply. His guidance reflects the perspective of a seasoned officer and fellow soldier, rather than that of a legal adviser.
The Missions (Scenarios)
Each mission in Decisions Under Fire is based on operational realities, not abstract hypotheticals. Here’s what they cover:
Mission 1 – Surrender and Engagement
Your unit accepts a surrender, but it’s followed by an ambush. One of your team is shot. Do you retaliate with overwhelming force or exercise restraint? This mission explores surrender in combat, proportional weapon use, and how to balance survival with legal and ethical obligations.
Mission 2 – Commander’s Orders
The same scenario as above—but now you’re the commander. Do you give an aggressive “eliminate all threats” order, or one that emphasizes restraint and capture? You face decisions about weapon selection (drone vs mortar), and how to treat prisoners under stress. The mission shows how tone from the top affects tactical choices.
Mission 3 – Enemy Wounded and Surrendering
You encounter a wounded enemy soldier raising his hand in surrender. Another enemy lies near death. Do you engage, approach, or secure the scene? This mission introduces concepts of hors de combat, the duty to provide care, and how to act professionally even in confusing, high-risk environments.
Mission 4 – Safe Capture Tutorial
This mission is triggered if you choose to capture in Mission 3. It is a hands- on, step-by-step tutorial on how to secure a surrendering soldier safely: halt the team, issue verbal commands, verify compliance, and provide medical aid. Users get prompts and audio guidance, reinforcing both LOAC and battlefield safety.
Mission 5 – Evacuation Under Fire
As your team evacuates the wounded – including enemy combatants – you come under renewed fire. There’s limited space in your vehicle. Do you prioritize your own injured, or try to take everyone? This mission introduces dilemmas about evacuation logistics, proportionality, and how to fulfill obligations to the wounded.
Mission 6 – Drone: Aid or Target?
Through the eyes of a drone operator, you see a wounded enemy soldier still holding a weapon. Is he a threat? Can he surrender? You can attack, attempt capture, or use the drone to deliver a surrender package. This mission explores precision warfare, non-lethal drone use, and the line between combat and protection of wounded.
Mission 7 – Enemy Deception and Protected Symbols
You spot armed enemies inside a building marked with a red cross. Your commander says the enemy often misuses symbols. Do you trust the briefing or verify yourself? Later, your unit must choose whether to take cover inside a school or remain exposed. This mission covers perfidy, the misuse of protective emblems, and the legal status of schools under LOAC.
Mission 8 – Combat Patrol & Protected Buildings
You receive intel that a hospital is being used to store weapons. Do you issue a warning? Launch a drone strike? Fire a thermobaric RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade)? Then, inside the hospital, you find wounded enemies and medical personnel. What’s your next move? This mission tackles the complex rules around medical facilities, tactical necessity, and humane treatment of the wounded and healthcare personnel.
Mission 9 – Mines & UXO (Tutorial)
After retaking a town, you find captured enemy mines. Do you repurpose them, mark them, or report them? Later, authorities ask to bring civilians back into the area. Do you allow return before clearance? This tutorial covers the Ottawa Convention, civilian protection, and safe clearance practices. If you make the wrong call, the mission ends and you restart.
Core Features
• Split-second decisions, real-time pressure
• First-person perspective, immersive sound and visuals
• Scenario restarts for unlawful or risky decisions
• Guided tutorials for complex tasks (capture, mine clearance)
• Empathetic BDAs – every choice explained through realistic voiceovers and debriefs
Dual audience: tailored content for both foot soldiers and commanders.
This educational tool is built not just to explain and teach the rules—but to create muscle memory for acting with restraint, professionalism, and clarity under fire.