A civilian is a person who is not a member of the military. The term is often used to describe someone who does not work for the police, fire department or any other government agency. It is also sometimes used to describe people who are not involved with the political process.
The word civilian is derived from a French word meaning ‘citizen’, which means a ‘person who lives in the city’. It is a common word, and has many different meanings in the English language. The term is most commonly used to refer to non military people, although it can be applied to a variety of different contexts.
For example, the phrase ‘civilian attire’ is used to refer to clothes that are not military in nature. This would include a business suit or a blouse with a collar, as opposed to the more traditional military uniforms such as khakis and dress shirts. This term is often used in the context of events that occur outside the realm of military action, such as political protests or sporting events.
It is also possible for a person to be both a civilian and part of an armed force, such as in the case of a police officer who has been trained as a soldier, or a fire fighter who has been trained in rescue procedures for soldiers who have been injured on the battlefield. This is a situation in which the distinction between civilian and military personnel can become blurred, and it is important to ensure that there is clarity regarding the role of each individual and the limitations of their actions.
There are a number of key issues that need to be clarified in order to ensure that the concept of civilian remains relevant and effective in the context of armed conflict. These include defining who is considered to be a civilian, determining what constitutes direct participation in hostilities and the modalities for losing this protection, and clarifying how members of armed groups are treated.
Civilians can be found in a variety of places, from a person who is employed in the public sector to a business owner. They can be unpaid family workers or wage and salary workers, and they may work in the same location for many years, or they may move between jobs.
When a person becomes a civilian, it is essential that they take the time to address any mental health concerns that may arise from this transition. This can be done by ensuring that they have access to support services and taking steps to understand any coping mechanisms that they may need to develop as a result of their new status. They should also ensure that all their military affairs are in order, including turning in any equipment or clothing that they still owe, and clearing up any outstanding financial issues with clubs, mess or other facilities to which they have previously been a contributor. This is a good way to avoid any unnecessary delays in reintegration into civilian life.