A civilian is someone who is not on active duty with a military, naval, police, or fire fighting organization. Civilians are not armed or trained to serve in the military and instead rely on their education, work experience, and skills to earn a living. Civilians tend to have a wider range of career experiences than military personnel and are therefore better equipped to understand the broad and complex issues involved in national security policymaking.
When a person transitions from the military to civilian life it can be difficult to find a new sense of community. The crew that a person served with in the military are often their family, and they are used to spending time together talking about their day, and sharing stories about what they have seen and done. It can be hard to find this type of connection in civilian life, and may be one reason why some people choose not to return to civilian life after their service is complete.
Another aspect of civilian life that can be a major challenge is the fact that people do not have a guarantee of employment as they do in the military. Those who have chosen careers in the civilian world will need to be aware of the fact that they will not receive as much financial support from their employer and may need to make other decisions about their finances. This is especially true if the person is looking for a job that offers health insurance and retirement benefits.
It is important for those who are thinking about returning to civilian life to take the time to research what is available to them in terms of employment opportunities and career paths. It is possible to continue a military-type of career and move into a different industry that will offer a more flexible schedule or allow the individual to pursue other interests. In the end, this can be a far more rewarding experience than simply leaving the workforce completely and trying to enjoy the freedom of civilian life.
One final thing to consider is the way in which people who choose to become civilians treat themselves. While the military certainly places a high value on physical fitness and the way in which an individual presents himself or herself, this is not always the case when a person moves into civilian life. It is easy for a civilian to let themselves go, and this can be problematic. A person who is a civilian may have a more carefree lifestyle and also a greater opportunity to spend money on personal care items.
It is worth noting that the word civilian dates back hundreds of years and was originally used to refer to someone who was not a member of a military organization. Today, the word has come to mean anyone who is not on active duty with a particular group or organization, and this definition continues to be accurate. The word has been used in a number of different ways throughout history, and its meaning is constantly evolving as people continue to use it in their daily lives.