A civilian is a person who is not a member of a military or armed force. They are non-combatants unless they are carrying arms, but civilians must respect the laws of war. There are differences between non-combatants and civilians, and some civilians are actually non-combatants.
The international community defines civilians as those who do not belong to one of the clear categories of combatants or armed forces. The Geneva Conventions give protection to civilians in the event of armed conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a definition of what constitutes a civilian. This definition is found in the Protocol I and the Commentary to the Third Convention.
In Colombia, civilians are not considered combatants unless they directly participate in hostilities. The Colombian military manual defines civilians as persons who do not engage in hostilities, but it defines them in negative terms with regard to combatants. This is also the case in most military manuals. However, this definition does not extend to armed opposition groups.
The definition of civilian is complex, encompassing different types and levels of analysis. A civilian can be a civilian, an officer, or a professional in a different field. In the United States, a civilian is a civilian who is not commissioned to serve a military or an institution. The term civilian is often used to describe a civilian who represents another group of people who contribute to a legitimate policymaking process.
The civilian identity encompasses a range of skills, habits, and values. It can be a legal, professional, or cultural designation. It may even be defined by one’s religion or culture. However, a civilian’s culture may differ from that of a military professional. It’s difficult to make a civilian a political leader overnight.
Another type of civilian oversight entity is a civilian review entity. These entities have several roles, including serving as the point of intake for public complaints against police officers. They also conduct investigations, review police records, and make recommendations to the police executive. Some even have mediation programs to resolve specific kinds of public complaints. These civilian oversight entities generally serve as advisory bodies, while others may also be involved in police internal affairs.
Whether you are interested in solving global problems, designing innovative technologies, or troubleshooting aircraft carrier radar systems, DOD’s Civilian team offers opportunities for a wide range of interests and occupations. With the right expertise and a unique set of skills, a career with the Navy could be rewarding and fruitful. And it will allow you to support America’s warfighters.
Protecting civilians is an important part of international humanitarian law, and the Security Council has a vital role in this. Through its Chapter VI and Chapter VII powers, it can influence armed forces to comply with the law and protect civilians.