A civilian is someone who does not engage in military or combat activities. Civilians typically live in society and contribute to it in a variety of different ways. They may work in areas such as law enforcement, education, health care, business, or government. Civilians are contrasted to military personnel, who are soldiers.
The distinction between civilians and combatants is critical in armed conflict and international humanitarian law. Civilians are entitled to special protection under the laws of war. It is an obligation of parties to a conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants on the one hand, and between civilian objects and military objectives on the other (GCIV Arts. 13-14). Civilians are also protected from attacks by all sides in a conflict, unless they directly participate in hostilities (API Arts. 45-52).
It is important to note that the definition of civilian in international humanitarian law differs from the conventional definition used for the purpose of warfare. The former focuses on the person’s status as a private citizen, while the latter refers to a person’s vocation or profession.
While the concept of a civilian is fairly straightforward, the distinction between civilian and combatant can become blurred in practice. For example, some individuals, such as armed members of national liberation movements, can be both civilians and combatants at the same time. This situation is a challenge for the armed forces, which must balance the interests of both civilians and combatants.
Another challenge comes from the fact that civilian life is very different than military service, especially for those transitioning back to it. It is often hard for people who have never served to understand the nuances of military culture and the unique demands placed on its members. Civilians also have their own unique challenges to overcome when rejoining civilian society, such as adjusting to the structure and schedule of their day-to-day lives.
In addition, it is not unusual for senior military leaders to oppose policy guidance that they believe to be flawed in their professional judgment. This phenomenon is known as “McMasterism.” While it may be difficult for the military to accept that they can be wrong, it is vital for a civilian-led government to retain its credibility and authority. Otherwise, the public will lose faith in all branches of government. This is why it is important for military leaders to maintain clear lines of communication with civilians and to recognize that their advice does not always have universal appeal. This is the best way to safeguard the legitimacy of civilian control over the military. For these reasons, it is essential for senior military leaders to take the time to build meaningful relationships with civilian counterparts, rather than trying to force them into a relationship that does not serve their interests. This will allow the two sides to better understand each other’s perspectives and concerns and find ways of working together to achieve common goals. This can be done in an environment that is free from ideological, political, and personality conflicts that could impede the effectiveness of military-civilian collaboration.