Which classification of personnel includes soldiers engaged in armed conflict legally?

Lawful combatants are those individuals who engage in armed conflict in accordance with international law. This classification includes members of the armed forces of a state who are recognized as lawful participants in hostilities. They adhere to the principles of warfare and the rules laid out in international conventions, such as the Geneva Conventions, which govern the conduct of armed conflict and seek to protect those not participating in hostilities, including civilians.

Being classified as lawful combatants affords certain protections under international law, which encompasses both the rights and responsibilities of fighters during armed conflict. This includes the expectation that they will conduct themselves in ways that respect the rules of engagement, thereby ensuring that operations remain within the boundaries of legality.

Other classifications, such as noncombatants or unlawful combatants, do not include individuals who are conducting their actions legally under the frameworks established by international law, thus differentiating lawful combatants from those who might not be recognized as such. This distinction is essential in understanding the legal and ethical considerations of warfare.