When military service ends, it may seem daunting to make the transition back into civilian life. There are a number of changes to adjust to from finances to relationships. But if you take the time to plan and be frugal, your return to civilian life will be much less stressful than you might expect.
The concept of the civilian is central to international humanitarian law. The ICRC’s guidelines define a civilian as anyone who does not belong to an organized armed force or take a direct part in hostilities. They must be protected at all times, regardless of their legal status. The principle of distinction between civilians and combatants is also crucial for the protection of non-combatants from being subjected to attacks by a state’s regular forces or by members of its armed police or civil defence units.
For this reason, the Appeals Chamber, in its judgment in the Kordic and Cerkez case (ICTY Statute, Article 5, paragraph 2), found that, although persons placed hors de combat lose their civilian status for the duration of their direct participation in hostilities, they should be considered as civilians for as long as there is doubt about their status.
However, the term civilian has not always been defined with clarity. It has been interpreted in different ways by various international bodies and tribunals. It is, therefore, important for states to define the concept of civilian in line with international humanitarian law, and in particular with the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and their Protocols.
Moreover, the concept of civilian is central to civilian crisis management. It is essential for countries to have a comprehensive civilian capacity, enabling them to respond to conflict and disaster situations in a timely, effective, and proportionate manner. This capacity must be available both within the country and in partnership with other national, regional and international actors.
In addition, there are many different types of civilians. They can range from those who serve in local governments to those who work in organizations that provide emergency assistance and humanitarian relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters. These civilians can help in the response to a disaster by providing food, shelter, water, and sanitation. They can also assist with medical care and counseling to those affected by the disaster.
The Army Civilian workforce is 265,000 strong with more than 500 career paths. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for growth in a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive workplace.
As a civilian in the policy-relevant civil-military relationship, one does not just mean “not military”; it means particular individuals who occupy specified roles in the administration and guidance of, and the budgeting for, the military services and defense enterprise. The civilians in this context are not functionaries nor neophytes whose judgment needs to be affirmed by a sort of military peer review; they represent a distinct professional group, not dispensable but vitally relevant and essential to the legitimate policymaking process.