A civilian is an ordinary person who does not work in the armed forces, law enforcement, or other government agency. Civilians live in society and contribute to it through various occupations. They are contrasted with combatants, who engage in military activity and live by different rules of engagement.
Civilians often serve in support roles for armed forces, and they can be important contributors to the effectiveness of operations and to the protection of civilians. In addition, they can provide unique insights on the operational and political aspects of conflicts in which they are involved. Civilians can help to shape the policy and legal framework of conflict resolution and humanitarian response.
During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, US and coalition forces significantly reduced harm to civilians by incorporating lessons learned into operations. In particular, a greater emphasis on de-mining and the removal of explosive remnants of war (ERW) was an effective and cost-effective approach to reduce civilian casualties. However, the civilianization of armed conflict has increased the complexity of the issue, and the need for a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to civilian harm mitigation is as vital as ever.
For example, civilians can be impacted by a wide variety of military activities, including mine clearance, joint operations, air strikes, and artillery fire. Moreover, the distinction between civilians and combatants is blurred in many conflict settings by the presence of non-state armed groups, which often share command, planning, and organizational functions with a state. This raises the question of whether such groups should be considered civilians for the purposes of Rule 6 on loss of protection from attack in cases of direct participation.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for both service members and spouses alike. The experiences of military service are very different from those of civilian life, and the complexities of re-integration can be difficult to explain to friends and family outside the military community.
Despite the challenges, transitioning from military to civilian life is possible for everyone. Having patience, balancing multiple communities and jobs, and seeking out a network of supportive peers can all help with the adjustment process.
Civilians have been key to the success of the Army since the Revolutionary War. They have an essential role in supporting the nation, the Army and its Soldiers in times of war and peace, and are critical to maintaining force readiness. The Army Civilian workforce is 265,000 strong and spans 31 career programs. Army Civilians are the largest civilian workforce in DOD and are integral to ensuring the Army is ready to defend the nation and win in war and peace.