Directives issued to guide United States forces on the use of force during various operations. These directives may take the form of execute orders, deployment orders, memoranda of agreement, or plans.

Non-US DoD Use:

Alternatively, maritime RUF are commercially agreed RUF for maritime industry security operations as agreed between contracting entities such as a ship owner and Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC). They may reflect national legislation for the interpretation of self-defence where applicable, though generally this is not a legislated requirement, but a response to an individual States' domestic policies. Commercial maritime operations differ from land-based government-led military operations and the two environments should not be confused.

Commercial maritime RUF, as contractually agreed between non-military commercial entities, are not subject to military directives unless PMSCs are subject to a specific military contract of employment.