The Definition of Force

Many COs make the mistake of saying simply that they are against all use of force when they answer the "force" question. This makes it easy for a clever Investigating Officer to catch them being inconsistent or to confuse them. The reason is simple: in the required question, "force" is never defined. So when you say you're against all use of force, you may mean military force or violence. But an Investigating Officer can trip you up by using "force" to mean the force you would use to hold someone back from hurting another person.

The dictionary defines "force" in a great many ways--ranging from the power you would use to move a billiard ball to the use of bombs, tanks, and military troops. So it's important when you talk about the use of force to be clear what kind of force you mean.

It's also important to remember that the courts have said the only use of force you have to object to is military force. Your common sense tells you that there's a difference between war and, say, defending yourself if someone assaults you in a bar. And the courts agree. 1

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