The law of war is of fundamental importance to the Armed Forces of the United States. The law of war is part of who we are.The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and Rules of War define actions that can be taken and actions that should not be taken in warfare. Minor revisions to the discussion of the principle of honor in § 2.6. a. This principle stems from the code of chivalry, itself an early manifestation of the laws of war. B. Types of Conflicts. Parties to a conflict must at all times distinguish between 'military objectives' and civilians and civilian objects.