What should military aircraft operate under when ICAO procedures are impractical?

Military aircraft should operate under military directives when ICAO procedures are impractical. Military directives provide the necessary guidelines and regulations specifically tailored for military operations, which may differ from civilian aviation regulations. This ensures that military aircraft can effectively and safely execute their missions while still adhering to a structured set of rules, even when standard ICAO procedures are not suitable. Military directives take into account unique operational needs and scenarios that may arise in a military context, enabling them to operate in a manner that prioritizes mission effectiveness and safety.

In situations where ICAO procedures are not applicable, relying on federal aviation regulations would not be appropriate for military operations since these are designed primarily for civilian aviation. While airspace safety protocols are important, they typically govern the conduct of all flights rather than providing the specific operational procedures needed for military aircraft. Emergency protocols come into play during unforeseen circumstances, but they do not replace the systematic approach that military directives offer for day-to-day military operations.