9-2. Controlling civilians is essential during military operations because uncontrolled masses of people can seriously impair the military mission. Commanders plan measures to protect civilians in the AO and to prevent their interference with the mission.

9-4. The second category includes civilians who leave their homes for various reasons. They are categorized as DCs, and their movement and physical presence can hinder military operations. They probably require some degree of aid (medicine, food, clothing, water, and shelter) and may not be native to the area or the country. The term DC is generic, and it is further subdivided into categories (see Chapter 1 ).

Protect DCs from combat operations.

Prevent and control the outbreak of disease.

Relieve human suffering.

Centralize masses of DCs.

Coordinate with the DOS, the UNOCHA, and FN civil and military authorities to determine the appropriate levels and types of aid required and available.

Minimize outside contributions to meet basic needs as DCs become self-sufficient, and encourage DCs to become as independent as possible.

Review the effectiveness of humanitarian responses, and adjust relief activities as necessary.

Coordinate with CA units to use US, HN, international, and third-nation organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Incorporated (CARE). Their use not only capitalizes on experience but also reduces requirements placed on US military forces.

Restrict the rights of DCs as required. Under international law, DCs have the right to freedom of movement; but in the event of a mass influx, security considerations may require restrictions.

Allow the accomplishment of tasks assigned by higher command echelons.

Be within the restrictions imposed by higher headquarters.

Guide subordinate commands in handling and routing DCs.

Ensure that all concerned parties—including the fire support coordination center and the Assistant Chief of Staff, G3 (Operations and Plans) (G3), or the Operations and Training Officer (US Army) (S3)—receive information on DC plans, routes, and areas of concentration.

Help DCs by alleviating their suffering while awaiting status determination.

Provide security and safety for DCs and soldiers by maintaining proper order and discipline within the facility.

Provide an aggressive information program by using support agencies and DC leadership.

Authorized extent of migration and evacuation.

Minimum standards of care.

Status and disposition of DCs.

Designation of routes and movement control measures.

Cultural and dietary considerations.

Designation and delegation of responsibilities.

Stay-put policy. Civilians remain near their homes and under controlled movement. The policy assumes the capability for enforcement, information dissemination, and ES. The HN may have a policy that US forces support, but US forces do not have the authority or the right to enforce the policy. It is not within the authoritative capability of US forces.

Collection points . A collection point establishes control and direction over the movement of the civilian populace, and it is the primary measure for gaining initial control over DCs. It is a temporary area for small numbers of DCs until they can return to their homes or move to a safer area. It is as far forward as possible during the flow of battle. Because a collection point is temporary, screening by CA forces, MI, or MP is quick and may include screening for intelligence information and emergency assistance. Screening takes place to segregate EPWs, CIs, and allied soldiers from DCs. Local civilians or civilian agencies can operate collection points under the supervision of tactical or support troops or CA personnel. The MP become involved in DC operations when civilian congestion along MSRs threatens the mobility of the maneuver force. They may be the first US elements to address DC problems and initiate actions to restore force mobility.

Assembly areas . Assembly areas are temporary holding areas for civilians before they return to their homes or move to a more secure area. Detailed screening or segregation of DC categories takes place at assembly areas. They are usually located in a secure, stable environment and may include schools, churches, hotels, and warehouses. When selecting a specific area, consider the ability to provide overnight accommodations for several days. Local civilians can operate assembly areas under the supervision of tactical or support troops or CA personnel.

Transportation . The CA plans for the maximum use of civilian transportation.

Security . The CA helps the Assistant Chief of Staff, G2 (Intelligence) (G2) with security screening and documentation of evacuees. Since the civilians are being removed from the area where they can best take care of themselves, the military provides security for them after evacuation. They also provide security for property left behind, including farm animals and pets.

Documentation. Evacuees may need ID documents showing their name and the locality from which they were evacuated. As a control technique, CA personnel prepare a manifest that lists evacuees for movement.

Briefing. The MCO briefs evacuees before movement. He uses leaflets, loudspeakers, posters, and other means available. The briefing explains details of the move, such as restrictions on personal belongings and the organization and schedule for the movement.

Rations. For a movement lasting no more than 2 days, supply personnel issue rations to each evacuee at the time of departure or at designated points en route.

Health care. The public health team makes maximum use of civilian medical personnel, equipment, and supplies to provide health care to evacuees. Use military medical personnel, equipment, and supplies as supplements if necessary. Take proper steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases before movement.

Return. Evacuation plans provide for evacuees' return and the criteria for determining the duration of their absence.

Route selection . When selecting routes for civilian movement, CA personnel consider the types of transportation common to the area. They coordinate the proposed traffic circulation plan with the transportation officer and the PM. All DC movements take place on designated civilian evacuation routes.

Route ID . After designating movement routes, CA personnel mark them in languages and symbols that civilians, US forces, and allied forces understand. The PSYOP units, MP, HN military forces, and other allied military units can help mark routes.

Control and assembly points . After selecting and marking movement routes, CA and HN authorities establish control and assembly points at selected key intersections. The G5 or S5 coordinates locations with the PM, the movement control center, and the Assistant Chief of Staff, G4 (Logistics) (G4) to include control and assembly points in the traffic circulation plan.

Emergency rest areas . The CA personnel set up emergency rest areas at congested points to provide immediate needs (water, food, fuel, maintenance, and medical services). Notify the PM to ensure that these areas are included in MP area security operations.

Local and national agencies . Using local and national agencies conserves military resources and reduces the need for interpreters and translators. Civilian authorities normally have legal status and are best equipped to handle their own people.

9-15. If the commander deploys MP units to the TO or tasks them to support DC operations, MP help set up, administer, and operate facilities in close coordination with CA forces, the HN, PSYOP units, NGOs, IHO, IOs, and other interested agencies. The MP unit commander becomes the I/R facility commander.

The availability of HN agencies and the status of infrastructure.

Ethnic differences and resentments.

Social structures (family and regional).

Religious and symbolic systems (beliefs and behaviors).

Political structures (distribution of power).

Economic systems (sources and distribution of wealth).

Links among social, religious, political, and economic dynamics.

The cultural history of the area.

Attitudes toward US military forces.

Logistical requirements.

Location.

Construction.

Setup.

Processing.

Screening.

Classification.

ID.

Clothing and equipment.

Subsistence.

Dining facilities.

Medical and sanitation.

Self-government.

Discipline.

Control.

Administration.

L&O.

ROI.

ROE.

Transportation.

Disposition.

9-20. The TCMS contains basic plans, specifications, and material requirements for building EPW/CI facilities based on population. The plans can be easily modified for DC operations in temperate, frigid, tropic, and desert climates.

9-21. If necessary, CS MP units and I/R MP units set up the facility using acquisitioned tentage and additional materials. The I/R facility commander considers the type of construction necessary to satisfy the needs of the DC operation. Some considerations are the—

Local climate.

Anticipated permanency of the facility.

Number of facilities to be constructed.

Availability of local materials.

Extent of available military resources and assistance.

Number of civilians.

Diversity of the population.

Resources available.

Need for a reactionary force.

Need to establish an animal compound.

Need to establish a vehicle-parking area.

9-24. While the EPW/CI processing procedures discussed in previous chapters provide a foundation, I/R personnel must be aware of unique aspects when processing DCs. Military personnel provide training and support, while NGOs, IHOs, and IOs actually process DCs. The number and type of processing stations vary from operation to operation. Table 9-1 shows stations that may be required during DC operations.

9-26. Conduct pat-down searches to ensure that weapons are not introduced into the compound. Conduct same-gender searches when possible, and do not conduct strip searches. Speed and security considerations may require mixed-gender searches. If so, perform them in a respectful manner, using all possible measures to prevent any action that could be interpreted as sexual molestation or assault. The on-site supervisor carefully controls soldiers doing mixed-gender searches to prevent allegations of sexual misconduct. Using HN, NGO, or IHO assets to conduct searches may prevent an intense situation from developing.

Verify rosters against the actual population.

Provide timely reunification of family members.

Match DCs with their medical records in case of a medical emergency or evacuation.

Check identities of DCs against the transfer roster.

9-33. Ensure that expectant and nursing mothers and children under the age of 15 receive additional food in proportion to their needs. Increase the rations of workers based on the type of labor performed. Provide plenty of fresh water. A good planning factor is 20 gallons per individual per day.

9-34. Make minimal menu and feeding-schedule changes to prevent unrest among the DC population. Inform the DC leadership when changes must be made.

Ensure that their purpose is conveyed and emphasized to DC leaders.

Respect cultural beliefs such as religious tenets and shrines. The INS, international support groups, community leaders, CA, and DC leaders are good sources for information regarding cultural sensitivities.

Treat DCs and their possessions with respect.

9-38. Self-government leaders can help solve problems before they become major events. The infrastructure of self-government promotes a stable environment where rapport is built between the facility commander, the DC leadership, and the DC population. This, in turn, reduces tension and provides an effective means of communicating reliable information to the facility population.

9-39. The DCs can submit complaints and requests to the I/R facility commander via—

An elected DC internment committee.

A written complaint.

A visiting representative of the UNHRC or a similar agency.

Enforce policies and procedures to control DCs.

Give reasonable orders decisively and in a language that DCs understand.

Post copies of the UN mandate relating to the situation in every compound where DCs can easily read them.

Post facility rules, regulations, instructions, notices, orders, and announcements that DCs are expected to obey in an easily accessed area. Ensure that the information is printed in a language that DCs understand, and provide a copy to DCs who do not have access to posted copies.

Ensure that DCs obey orders, rules, and directives.

Report DCs who refuse or fail to obey an order or a regulation to DC leaders and HN authorities.

Do not fraternize with DCs.

Do not donate or receive gifts or engage in any commercial activity with DCs.

Observe rigorous self-discipline.

Maintain a professional, impersonal attitude.

Follow ROI and ROE guidelines.

Cope with hostile or unruly behavior and incidents calmly.

Take fair, immediate, decisive action.

Establishes and maintains discipline quickly and fairly.

Publishes and enforces rules of conduct and updates them as necessary.

Serves as the single POC, coordinating all matters within the facility and with outside organizations and agencies.

Establishes and posts barracks rules such as those shown in Figure 9-3.

9-44. Problems might stem from DCs' state of mind. The difficulties they experienced may affect their acceptance of authority. They may have little initiative or may be uncooperative because of an uncertain future. They may be angry because of their losses, or they may resort to looting and general lawlessness because of their destitution. The I/R facility commander can minimize difficulties through careful administration and—

Maintaining different national and cultural groups in separate facilities or sections.

Keeping families together.

Separating unaccompanied males, females, and children under the age of 18 (based on HN laws as to when a child becomes an adult).

Furnishing DCs with information about their status and future.

Allowing DCs to speak freely to facility officials.

Involving DCs in facility administration, work, and recreation.

Establishing quick contact with agencies for aid and family reunification.

9-46. Another tool for effective administration is using liaison personnel. Liaison involves coordination with all interested agencies. The US government and military authorities, allied liaison officers, and representatives of local governments and international agencies can provide assistance. Implement the following standards related to DC treatment:

Do not penalize or expose them to unfavorable treatment because their presence in the country is considered unlawful.

Do not restrict their movement except when necessary for public health and order.

Allow them to enjoy their fundamental rights.

Treat them as persons whose plight requires special understanding and sympathy. Provide necessary assistance; and do not subject them to cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.

Do not discriminate because of race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or country of origin.

Recognize that they are persons before the law who enjoy free access to the courts of law and other competent administrative authorities.

Base the I/R facility's location on the safety needs and well-being of DCs and the security needs of the receiving state.

Provide them with necessities (food, shelter, and basic sanitary and health facilities).

Maintain family units when possible.

Provide assistance for tracing relatives.

Protect minors and unaccompanied children.

Allow them to send and receive mail.

9-48. Some other sources for security officers include local police forces, HN paramilitary and military forces, and the facility population. Police personnel within the population can supplement security teams or constitute a facility police force if necessary. Internal and external patrols are necessary; however, ensure that security does not give the impression that the facility is a prison. Base patrol areas and distribution plans on the size of the facility and the number of DCs in each subdivision. If a DC is apprehended for committing a crime, coordinate with SJA and HN authorities to determine the disposition and the status of the subject and the disposition of the case paperwork, evidence (including crime lab analysis results), and recovered property. Also obtain information on items, procedures, and agreements unique to the supported HN.

9-49. Be prepared to perform civil-disturbance operations to restore L&O. Identify a reactionary force that can be immediately deployed and employed inside the facility to control a disturbance. The size of the reactionary force depends on the facility population and the available military forces. The reactionary force is well trained, well organized, and knowledgeable of applicable ROE, the use-of-force policy, and the use of NLWs and civil-disturbance measures. (See Appendix B and FM 19-15 for more information.)

9-50. Basic guidelines and the foundation for I/R facility L&O are provided in FMs 19-10 and 19-20. The I/R facility commander tailors the forms and procedures to his specific mission.

Avoid discussing politics or immigration policies with DCs.

Avoid making promises to DCs. If cornered, reply with, "I will see what I can do."

Refrain from making obscene gestures at DCs because they may understand the meaning.

Avoid making derogatory remarks or political comments about DCs. Local linguists understand English, and DCs might understand it.

Treat DCs equally. They may become offended if they do not receive the same treatment or resources others receive.

Respect religious articles and materials.

Treat medical problems seriously.

Treat DCs with respect.

Greet DCs in their own language.

Clear phrases that DCs teach to soldiers through a linguist to ensure that they do not contain obscene language.

Deadly force. Force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. An attack with an edged weapon and the use of a firearm are examples of deadly force.

Hostile act. An attack or the use of deadly force against a person.

Hostile intent.A threat of deadly force against a person. This term is used to anticipate a hostile act or to react to a threat before it occurs by applying graduated levels of nondeadly force.

First: Give a verbal warning.

Second: Present a show of force, such as pepper spray, a stun gun, or a shotgun.

Third: Use pepper spray or a stun gun.

Fourth: Use a riot baton.

Fifth: Fire a shotgun using nonlethal rounds or bird shot.

9-55. The ROE normally authorize the use of deadly force only in extreme situations, such as—

When there is an immediate or imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to US personnel, civilians, or DCs.

When its use would not significantly increase the risk of death or serious bodily harm to innocent persons.

When lesser, nondeadly force fails or is impractical.

When it is a last resort.

9-58. The most important step in the disposition of DCs is the final handling of personnel and property. Before the DC operation is terminated, the I/R facility commander consults with higher headquarters, the SJA, and other pertinent agencies to determine the proper disposition of records.