The name of the episode refers to military doctrine of the same name. Rules of Engagement or "ROE" are a set standard of conditions, circumstances, manner and to what degree which the use of force may be applied. Such ROE can be "you have to right to defend yourself" or it could be stringent as "do not return fire even if you are fired upon" ROE conditions can be added or removed as situations evolve.
One of the astronauts at Jamestown mentions he wants to watch the "movie about the Mercury seven". It's a not to The Right Stuff, released in 1983