Civilian is the term used to describe a person who does not belong to one of the categories of persons referred to in Articles 4A, 5 and 43 of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols (API). Civilians may not be attacked, or be subjected to any other form of discrimination. This concept of civilian was developed for the purpose of implementing the humanitarian objectives of international law and to ensure that civilians are protected from all forms of attack.
The ICRC has delegates around the world teaching armed forces and other civilians that the definition of civilian is any person who does not belong to the armed forces, or to an organized armed group, or to a levee en masse. The ICRC also states that it is a presumption that those who are not members of the armed forces, but have taken part in hostilities, are civilians. Civilians may not be targeted for attacks and must not be hors de combat, or put hors de combat, except when they have assumed the role of fighters during the limited period of ongoing armed conflict.
In the past, some military manuals have defined civilians more broadly than this definition and included members of armed liberation movements who had joined a State armed force in order to fight against the regime. This was a departure from the customary, and more traditional, understanding of who was a civilian, and did not comply with the requirements of international law.
However, it is important to remember that the civilian community is a global community. This means that, when service members and their families leave the military and return to their civilian lives, they must find a new community that can understand them, and their unique experiences. This is often difficult, and reintegration into civilian life can be stressful.
While many military spouses find a civilian community that is able to connect with them on the various aspects of military life, some struggle to make connections or have their experiences regarded as valuable in their new communities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. It is recommended that those reintegrating into civilian life try to network with their former military colleagues and friends as well as seek out civilian communities that are geared towards veterans and their families.
The concept of civilian has become increasingly significant in policy-making, particularly in the areas of security and foreign affairs. Civilians provide a different perspective and expertise that complements and guides that provided by professional military advice, and that is not only relevant to, but essential to, legitimate policymaking. However, this principle is under threat in the United States. Civilians across the defense, diplomatic, intelligence, and legislative enterprise are increasingly questioning what sociologist Peter Feaver calls McMasterism – the notion that senior military leaders should have the right and the responsibility to oppose civilian policy guidance they find unwise in their professional judgment. This is a dangerous trend, which must be reversed.