text: Chapter 5
  Civilians
  This chapter addresses the protection of civilians in the hands of a party to the conflict
  under the law of armed conflict. The protection of civilians is governed by the Geneva
  and Hague traditions, customary international law, and recent practice consistent with
  Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions. Certain provisions are
  applicable only in the territory of a party to the conflict, others to belligerently occupied
  territory, and a number to both or to civilian populations generally. Those relating
  exclusively to occupied areas appear in Chapter 6, while the requirements of GC
  having to do with the territory of a belligerent, with both such territory and occupied
  territory, or with the general protection of civilians are set forth in this chapter. This
  chapter will focus on detention and treatment standards from the Geneva tradition, with
  some reference to civilian protections in the conduct of hostilities as outlined in
  Chapter 2.
  PRACTICAL GUIDANCE ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
  5-1. As discussed in Chapter 2, Soldiers and Marines must comply with LOAC during military operations.
  With respect to the protection of civilians and civilian objects, all Soldiers and Marines must adhere to the
  following guidance:
  * Do not intentionally target civilians and civilian objects, for example, hospitals, schools, religious
  buildings, historic monuments. However, as discussed further below, civilians directly
  participating in hostilities may be targeted.
  * When conducting an attack, combatants must exercise due regard to reduce the risk of incidental
  harm to the civilian population and other persons and objects that may not be made the object of
  attack.
  * Do not abuse, degrade, or seek revenge against civilians, or take other unnecessary actions that
  could harm civilians.
  * When necessary to detain, search, question, or exercise other measures of control over civilians,
  perform such measures humanely, respectfully, and professionally in accordance with Army and
  Marine Corps values.
  * Do not steal.
  * Follow accountability and reporting procedures related to civilians and civilian property. For
  example:
   Follow command guidance on reporting the presence of civilians or civilian casualties during
  military operations.
   When feasible, give receipts when seizing private enemy property, such as holding for
  safekeeping or family documents or valuable from civilian internees.
   Report alleged violations of the law of war against civilians in accordance with applicable
  DOD policies, including DODD 2311.01E.
  5-2. In addition to adhering to the practical guidance on detainee operations and the basic protections
  provided at the beginning of Chapter 3, Soldiers and Marines who are conducting internment of protected
  persons under the GC must comply with the GC’s requirements and with applicable U.S. law and U.S. and
  DOD policies.