7-22. The protection of civilians from deliberate attack is distinct from the legal obligations of U.S. forces to minimize harm to civilians during the conduct of operations. Effective protection of civilians starts before deployment by understanding and acknowledging the complexity of the operational environment, creating rules of engagement and policies that prioritize and account for the protection of civilians, and conducting realistic training that tests Soldiers’ decision-making ability. Failure to properly account for and address civilian causalities during tactical operations can create immediate local effects that impact maneuver units and provide opportunities to create global effects through the use of information technologies. Commanders and staff consider the protection of civilians in all activities in order to maintain legitimacy and accomplish the mission.