What are Legal Restrictions on Using SERE Techniques?

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Legal Framework SERE techniques are developed and taught within the context of the US military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) program. However, when these techniques are used in civilian settings, such as in law enforcement or self-defense courses, they are subject to various federal and state laws. The US Congress has passed several laws, including the Army Field Manual 34-52 and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin, to outline the guidelines for using SERE techniques.
Specific Legal Restrictions In the United States, SERE techniques are restricted by the following laws and regulations: Title 18, Section 2340A of the US Code, which prohibits torture, and the War Crimes Act of 1996. Additionally, the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin states that SERE techniques can only be used “to the minimum extent necessary to prevent a threat to life or limb.” In civilian settings, SERE instructors often require a background check and specialized training to ensure they are qualified to teach these techniques.
Civilian Courses and Training Civilian courses that teach SERE techniques, such as those offered by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. These courses typically require instructors to undergo background checks and specialized training, and they must adhere to strict guidelines for the use of SERE techniques. Instructors are also required to obtain consent from students before teaching them SERE techniques, and they must ensure that these techniques are used only for training purposes and not for personal gain or malicious intent.