A civilian is anyone who is not a member of the armed forces. This includes police officers and fire fighters, as well as people in the business world or those involved with education or other essential services. The protection of civilians during military operations is a moral imperative. It is also critical for achieving long-term tactical and operational success on the battlefield. Without adequate protection of civilians, hard-earned tactical and operational successes may ultimately end in strategic failure.
Civilian is an English word derived from the Latin civilianis, meaning “of, concerning, or related to the common people.” Unlike its French counterpart, it has only one “l.” As with the word soldier, it’s important to spell it correctly; otherwise, you may appear to be less intelligent.
The term was first used in the English language in the early 19th century to refer to the code of law that governed non-military life. For hundreds of years before that, it was commonly used to refer to someone who was a judge or otherwise an expert on the law that applied outside military courts. Civilians are the backbone of society, and it’s important to protect them from harm in connection with military operations.
In addition to military tactical directives and rules of engagement within specific conflicts, policies on protecting civilians can be found in national and international policy documents. These include the United States’ Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, as well as international documents like the Safe Schools Declaration and the Geneva Call Deeds of Commitment on Civilian Harm.
Whether it’s a war against terrorist groups or a battle to ensure access to clean drinking water and food, the impact of conflict on civilians is immense. It is critical to focus on addressing these issues to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in places around the globe.
As the world becomes more globalized, the need for civilians to have access to the necessary tools and resources to thrive is even more important. The development of innovative new tools and approaches to help civilians deal with the repercussions of conflict and other threats can help alleviate these effects, and support the growth of sustainable economies.
Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be a big adjustment for some veterans. The complexities of military culture, especially in terms of communication, can make the change difficult. However, embracing the change and learning how to adapt can help make the transition smoother for everyone. There are many veteran resources available to help manage finances, find a job, and provide education assistance, among other things. Learning how to communicate effectively with civilian friends, colleagues, and family can also help mitigate frustrations.