A civilian is someone who is not a member of the military or any kind of uniformed service. They are often considered to be the backbone of any country as they work in various professions such as police, teachers, doctors and nurses. People in the military and policing are called sworn personnel as they take an oath to serve their country and obey orders. Civilians do not take such an oath and do not have to obey the law of the land.
The term came into use in the early 19th century to distinguish those who abided by the code of law that applied outside of military courts. It has since expanded to mean anyone who is not a military person. The word is pronounced with one “l,” not two as it sounds when written, and has a French origin. It is important to remember that civilians are people who do not belong to any kind of military organization and are not involved in combat operations.
Civilians who are not involved in armed conflict are protected by international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and their protocols. This includes those who live within territories of a party to an armed conflict, but also those who do not participate in hostilities, such as medical staff treating injured civilians, humanitarian aid workers and chaplains. The distinction between civilians and non-combatants can sometimes be difficult to make, especially if a country is in the middle of an internal or external armed conflict.
There are also a number of differences between civilian and military life. For example, civilians do not have the same opportunities for career advancement as military members, and their benefits are often less comprehensive. Civilians may also face financial challenges when they make the transition to civilian life as they are likely to be paying for housing, education and health care out of pocket.
While it can be challenging to switch from a life of stability and predictability to one that is unpredictable, civilians can find success in many different fields. It is important to plan ahead, stay frugal and seek out the right opportunities to get the most out of civilian life.
The experience, skills, knowledge and vision that civilians bring to their roles in the civil-military relationships of policymaking are crucial. They are not just individuals whose careers did not involve military service, but people who have worked in a world that requires them to understand complex institutions and deal with highly diverse populations, often at the highest levels of government and business. Civilians know how to balance competing interests and are familiar with a variety of tools for managing very difficult situations. Their perspective can be invaluable to the military, as they are an integral part of the Army team. They are trusted Army Professionals who share a common vision to win in a complex world.