Military History

» Brent Sedo - When did the rules change?

Although I know the "rules" were sometimes broken, I also know that at least through WW II, medical personnel were prohibited by the Geneva Convention from carrying weapons in combat, and the vast majority did not . In fact, it was for this reason the US Army created the Combat Medic Badge, to recognize (and ensure the proper bonus in pay) medical personnel who had been in close combat with the enemy, but who were not eligible for the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

However, with Canadian troops fighting in Afghanistan, I've seen a couple photos - including in the paper today - of troops described as medics carrying weapons and taking their place on patrol or in combat indistinguishable from other infantry troops.

I'm just wondering if anyone knows if/when/why/how this change in the Geneva Convention rule of war took place?

Thanks