A civilian is a person not in military service. Civilians are found in every walk of life and serve in a variety of capacities. They are an integral part of our society and help us to achieve our goals.
The word civilian comes from the French words civique and civilité. It was first used in English around the 14th century. Originally, the word meant a citizen of the king’s kingdom. It was not to be confused with a mercenary, a soldier hired by the king for war service. Eventually, the meaning became more specific to those who were not in the military. Civilians were a class of citizens who could vote, own property, and take part in the political process. Civilians were also referred to as commoners.
Today, we use the word civilian to mean someone who is not a member of the military or law enforcement. In some professions, like law enforcement and journalism, civilian is used to refer to a non-military person who works in the field of their profession. The term has come to be so commonly used that it is now a part of the English language.
As a matter of practicality, it makes sense for a country to have laws and rules that distinguish civilians from those in the military. This is particularly true in times of conflict when a large proportion of the population may be vulnerable to attack from enemy forces. In some cases, it is even dangerous for civilians to travel in areas where the military is active.
In addition, civilians can receive more protection from international humanitarian law than those in the military, and they are not subject to the same restrictions on freedom of movement that military personnel must follow. Moreover, civilians can regain their civilian status when they stop taking direct part in hostilities (for example, when members of organized armed groups who belong to a non-state party to an armed conflict cease their continuous combat function).
This distinction between those who are civilians and those who are not is important because it gives the civilian community a stake in policymaking that is separate from but still connected to the national security realm. This expertise can complement the advice offered by professional military advisers and contribute to the legitimacy of the policymaking process.
The differences between military life and civilian life can seem intimidating, but they don’t have to be. By embracing this change as an opportunity to build new relationships, gain valuable experience and see the world in a different light, it is possible to make a successful transition from the military to civilian life. In addition, there are many resources that can help manage finances, find a job and more. To learn more about these resources, check out the Army’s civilian resource page. If you’re ready to start a new chapter of your career, click here for information about becoming an Army civilian.