Re: "I wish for world peace"
> Soldiers are "expressly authorised" to fire their rifles as well , but which direction makes a big difference
Actually they aren't. When deployed they are given rules of engagement which say what they can shoot and when.
Typically they'll be phrased as allowing any use of force in self defence or defence of your unit.
Example on wikipedia:- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/Operation_Provide_Relief.Rules_of_Engagement.jpg