A civilian is someone who is not a member of the military. They may be a citizen of the country where they live or they may have moved there from another part of the world. Civilians typically don’t serve in the military and are not armed, but they do have rights. If a civilian is caught in the middle of an armed conflict, they should have access to protection and help from their government.
In international law, a civilian is anyone who is not a combatant or member of the armed forces. They are entitled to certain privileges under the customary laws of war and international treaties, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, depending on whether the conflict is an internal armed conflict or an international one.
The distinction between combatants and civilians tends to be less clear during internal armed conflicts. As a result, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has developed guidelines on a grey area between civilians and combatants: members of organized armed groups of a belligerent who take direct part in hostilities for a limited time may lose their status as civilians, but they should not be treated as combatants.
Oftentimes, a civilian who is in the middle of an armed conflict will need help from his or her government to survive. This could be to get medical care or food. They might also need shelter or money to pay for a lawyer. A civilian may need to make a claim to the courts to receive compensation for injuries or losses.
Many people who are civilians work in a field related to the military. They may be a journalist covering the war, for example. Other civilians work in the public sector, such as a police officer or social worker. Some civilians may even be teachers or bankers.
As a federal employee, civilians are eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, which is similar to a 401(K). The plan allows employees to automatically contribute a portion of their salary into an account for retirement. Many military personnel leave the service and find civilian jobs after they complete their enlistment.
One of the biggest differences between military life and civilian life is the rigid schedules and expectations. When someone transitions to civilian life, they may no longer need to adhere to the chain of command as strictly or follow rules for attire and behavior.
For a civilian, there may be some unexpected changes in communicating with military spouses and friends. It is important to be patient and understanding during this time. It can be frustrating for both parties if there are different communication styles or if some aspects of the transition remain classified. Practicing communication skills can help alleviate some of the frustration that comes with these differences. This will help both civilians and military members be able to get on the same page during this time of transition.