A civilian is a person who is not part of any military force. People who serve as civilians in the government and other organizations usually do so in support of those who are members of the armed forces or who are fighting to defend their country. There are many different kinds of civilian jobs that can be found in the United States and all around the world. Some of the most popular jobs that are filled by civilians include being a teacher, being in law enforcement, and working in the health care industry.
When it comes to the military, there are some rules that everyone must follow when in uniform. This includes a strict schedule, being on time for duty, how you speak to others in the presence of superior officers, and even what you wear. However, civilians do not have to adhere to these strict guidelines as strictly when they are outside of the military.
Despite this, there are some similarities between civilian and military life. Both groups must follow the rules of their specific organization and both have to work to get ahead in their careers. Those in civilian positions may also have to take orders from those who are in the military.
One of the main differences between civilian and military life is that in the military, there are more strict guidelines when it comes to disciplinary procedures. Those who are caught breaking any rules in the military may be subject to a general court-martial where a judge and/or panel of service members determine guilt or innocence. Punishments can range from confinement to loss of pay or even the death penalty. Civilian courts, on the other hand, usually do not have this kind of harsh punishments.
Another important difference between civilian and military life is that the former is typically less hierarchical than the latter. In civilian careers, there may be more opportunities to communicate with superiors and coworkers and ask questions about projects or assignments. This can be a huge adjustment for those who have spent their entire lives in the military and are used to a strict hierarchy.
In addition, there are fewer restrictions when it comes to who is considered a civilian for purposes of international humanitarian law. This is a result of the two Additional Protocols of 1977 relating to international and non-international armed conflicts. These protocols clarified that civilians do not lose their protection against direct attack “except for the period of their direct participation in hostilities”.
While it is true that a career in the military is a good foundation for careers in public office, this should not be taken as an indictment of other kinds of careers. In fact, most politicians have backgrounds that are not in the military. These people are in the business of representing their communities, and they must learn how to balance diverse interests and concerns while still putting together a coherent policy. They must also understand that power is not just a matter of material resources but can be a way to make change.