Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide, Second Edition Second Edition | Page 15

Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide
the dominant military consideration. Despite the recognition of PoC’s importance in peace and
combat operations, policymakers and military practitioners have struggled with how to apply
military force and integrate it with broader efforts to protect vulnerable civilians in hostile
environments.
d. A number of prominent studies have highlighted the need for applicable PoC doctrine. 3
Comprising “fundamental principles by which the military forces guide their actions in support of
objectives,” 4 doctrine is essential for military operations and also drives institutional functions
such as organization, training, materiel acquisition, and leader development. Recently developed
doctrine within national militaries and multilateral institutions often includes civilian security
either as a major operational consideration or as an objective that contributes to mission
accomplishment. 5 However, there are still few examples of official military doctrine regarding
PoC. 6
P URPOSE
a. The PoC Military Reference Guide is intended to help military commanders and staffs
integrate PoC into their missions at the operational and tactical levels. It is meant to be generally
applicable across a wide spectrum of military efforts from peace operations to armed conflict.
However, the reference guide is not meant to be a complete operational checklist, and it must be
adapted to the reader’s context.
b. Other intended audiences include international organizations that conduct military missions,
national militaries, and military training centers. Many of these institutions are refining their
mission strategies, doctrine, and concepts regarding PoC. The PoC Military Reference Guide is
not meant to usurp the internal processes of such organizations; rather, it is intended to assist their
doctrine development, training, planning, and operations as they deem appropriate.
S COPE
a. The PoC Military Reference Guide provides a framework of 45 PoC-related tasks, which
are grouped under three principles. The “3-45 Framework” is discussed within two main contexts
for military forces:
(1) Peace Operations includes conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace
enforcement, and peace building. The military is ideally an impartial actor present with the consent
of the host state, although this may not be the case during peace enforcement operations.
3
See, for example, Alison Giffen, Addressing the Doctrinal Deficit: Developing Guidance to Prevent and Respond to
Widespread or Systematic Attacks Against Civilians (Washington, DC: The Stimson Center, Spring 2010).
4
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (AAP-6) (Brussels: North Atlantic Treaty
Organization, 2010).
5
For example, see contemporary doctrinal publications on stabilization, counterinsurgency, and peace operations
from the United Kingdom, the United States, the African Union, and NATO. Also see United Nations, UN
Peacekeeping Operations Principles and Guidelines (also known as the “UN Capstone Doctrine) (New York:
Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, 2008).
6
For a current example, see U.S. Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-07.6 Protection of Civilians (Washington, DC:
Headquarters, Department of the Army, October 2015).
2