Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide, Second Edition Second Edition | Page 12

Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide
and external actors, PoC and the pursuit of other military objectives, short-term and long-term
goals, and mandate interpretation as compared with the needs on the ground. Chapter 5 addresses
likely challenges including corruption, constraints on the military force, resource limitations, and
the ability to achieve unity of effort. The chapter also discusses civilian risks and other mission
risks.
The annexes include supplemental information such as discussions on PoC and the UN and
NATO, suggestions for PoC training and scenarios, legal considerations, and planning templates.
Too often in the past, military forces have inadequately protected civilians for a variety of
reasons, or have themselves posed threats to civilians. Units conducting peace operations or
engaged in armed conflict must be much more effective at protecting civilians in the future. As
discussed in the PoC Military Reference Guide, the military’s contribution to PoC rests upon the
ability to execute numerous tasks effectively. Units must integrate their efforts with nonmilitary
actors, often in a supporting role, and operate while contending with tradeoffs, challenges, and
risks that make PoC a complex endeavor under the best of circumstances. This requires forces that
are well-trained, disciplined, properly equipped, and agile. They must be present in adequate
strength with appropriate capabilities, have a demonstrable grasp of the situation, and be able to
synchronize effective PoC efforts. Units must be committed to PoC and must have leaders who
have a sophisticated understanding of PoC considerations, cooperate effectively with other
contributors, and act decisively when necessary.
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