A civilian is a person who does not belong to the military (see Civilian). Civilians are important members of the economy and society. They work in many different fields, such as education, health care, law enforcement, and government.
In some cases, civilians may be subject to special laws, such as when they are on a military base or working for the government. However, they are not subject to military law or court-martial. Civilians are also not subject to the same rules and expectations that military personnel must adhere to, such as rigid schedules or strict rules about tone of voice, responses to commands, or how you present yourself to others.
For service members who have just transitioned to civilian life, this can be a major adjustment. The lack of structure can be a challenge, but it can also be a relief from the rigidity of military life. Civilians have more freedom to make their own choices, such as when they choose to get a haircut or whether to grow a beard. They can often find jobs that are less demanding and more flexible in terms of schedule, location, and work/life balance.
There are a number of different definitions of the word civilian, ranging from those who do not work for the military to those who have not participated in armed conflict. The word is derived from the Latin civilis, meaning “of, concerning or belonging to civilians” and it’s been in use in English since the early Middle Ages.
The most common definition of a civilian is that of a person who does not serve in the armed forces, or who has no combatant role. This definition is reflected in international humanitarian law, which defines civilians as individuals who do not belong to one of the armed force categories of combatants and provides protection for civilians in occupied territories and other situations where they are particularly vulnerable. Humanitarian law also includes those who have directly taken part in hostilities, and the two Additional Protocols relating to international and non-international armed conflicts clarify that civilian status is not lost during this time.
The term can also be used to describe individuals who are not in the armed services, but who play a role in the administration and guidance of the armed forces and defense enterprise. This concept is formally defined in Title 10, U.S. Code, and is a key component in the field of civil-military relations at the policymaking level. Civilians can be found in many areas of the Pentagon and throughout DOD, including the National Security Council and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. They are vital to the success of the Army and the DOD. The DOD aims to employ as many civilians as possible, in order to ensure the best service for our nation and the military. In addition, DOD civilians are often offered competitive benefits packages, such as healthcare, educational assistance, and retirement plans. For more information, see the DOD Civilian Benefits page.