Fact Check: Reducing civilian casualties has long been a priority for the services but became more of a focus during the Global War on Terror era.

Fact Check: "Reducing civilian casualties has long been a priority for the services but became more of a focus during the Global War on Terror era."

What We Know

The claim that reducing civilian casualties has been a priority for the military services, particularly during the Global War on Terror (GWOT), is supported by various official statements and policies. The Department of Defense (DOD) has acknowledged the moral and strategic implications of civilian casualties, emphasizing their importance in military operations. For instance, when General Stan McChrystal took command in Afghanistan in 2009, he stated that the protection of civilian populations was paramount, asserting, "We will not win based on the number of Taliban killed, but instead on our ability to separate insurgents from the center of gravity — the people" (DOD Issues Civilian Harm Mitigation, Response Instruction). This perspective aligns with the broader strategic objectives outlined in the National Security Strategy, which emphasizes the need to protect human rights and promote stability in regions affected by terrorism (The National Security Strategy of the United States).

In January 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed the development of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which formalizes DOD's policies regarding civilian harm and aims to enhance operational procedures to prevent civilian casualties (DOD Issues Civilian Harm Mitigation, Response Instruction). This initiative reflects a long-standing concern within the military about the implications of civilian casualties, particularly in the context of counterterrorism operations.

Analysis

The evidence presented supports the claim that reducing civilian casualties has been a priority for the military, especially during the GWOT. The DOD's recent instruction consolidates existing policies and underscores the importance of civilian protection in military operations. This instruction not only formalizes the commitment to mitigating civilian harm but also establishes a framework for accountability and compliance within the military ranks (DOD Issues Civilian Harm Mitigation, Response Instruction).

However, the effectiveness of these policies can be debated. While the DOD has made strides in acknowledging the importance of civilian harm mitigation, challenges remain in the implementation of these policies, especially in complex combat environments where insurgents may use civilians as shields (The Pentagon is About to Make a Big Mistake on Civilian ...). Critics argue that despite the formal recognition of the issue, the realities of warfare often lead to civilian casualties, and the military's ability to fully mitigate these risks is limited (Civilian Casualties: Lessons from the Battle for Raqqa).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the DOD being a primary source of information regarding military policies. The National Security Strategy is also an authoritative document that outlines the U.S. government's approach to national security, including counterterrorism efforts. However, some sources discussing the implications of civilian casualties may carry inherent biases, particularly those that critique military operations or advocate for specific policy changes (Human Cost of the Post-9/11 Wars, Public Opinion on Civilian Casualties in the War on Terror).

Conclusion

The claim that reducing civilian casualties has long been a priority for the military services but became more pronounced during the Global War on Terror is True. The evidence shows that the DOD has recognized the strategic importance of civilian protection and has implemented policies aimed at mitigating civilian harm, particularly in the context of counterterrorism operations. While challenges remain in fully achieving these goals, the formal acknowledgment and ongoing efforts reflect a significant shift in military priorities.

Fact Check: Reducing civilian casualties has long been a priority for the services but became more of a focus during the Global War on Terror era.