Bill Overview
Title: Report on DoD Practices to Distinguish Between Civilians and Combatants Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to prepare an independent report on DOD practices regarding distinguishing between combatants and civilians in U.S. military operations (i.e., a mission, strike, engagement, raid, or incident).
Sponsors: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living in conflict zones impacted by US military operations
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill focuses on U.S. military operations globally, which can impact regions where these operations are conducted.
- Civilians in conflict zones where the U.S. military is active would be directly affected by changes in practices that better distinguish them from combatants.
- Combatants in these regions, whether opposing or allied forces, may also be affected due to changes in engagement strategies.
- The U.S. military personnel who are involved in operations and decision-making will be impacted as they may need to adapt to new guidelines based on the report.
- Humanitarian organizations and NGOs working in conflict zones may see changes in civilian safety and need to adjust their operations accordingly.
Reasoning
- The policy, being a report on Department of Defense (DoD) practices, primarily affects U.S. military operations. It indirectly impacts civilians and combatants in conflict zones, U.S. military personnel, and American taxpayers.
- The budget constraints mean a focus on strategic and high-priority areas of impact, likely emphasizing areas where distinguishing between civilians and combatants is most critical.
- The individuals directly affected by changes resulting from this policy are mainly international, but it has indirect implications for relevant U.S. stakeholders.
Simulated Interviews
Military officer (Florida)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This report could improve field operations by reducing civilian casualties, which is good for mission success.
- It may require us to adapt to new engagement rules, which involves additional training.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Defense contractor analyst (Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The report will provide essential insights for improving military protocols and reducing accidental harm to civilians.
- This can give us a framework to evaluate and enhance our operational guidelines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Department of Defense official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The report can influence policy reforms and international military strategies.
- Requires balancing security and ethical obligations to civilians.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
NGO worker (New York)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better distinguishing between civilians and combatants is crucial for our safety and effectiveness in the field.
- The policy could enhance protection measures in conflict areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired military officer (California)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's essential for the military to minimize harm to civilians, preserving moral integrity and international relations.
- This policy could bring about necessary change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Military pilot (Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Refining our ability to differentiate combatants from civilians is vital for ethical engagements.
- This report might require operational adjustments, but it is a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
International relations expert (Colorado)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The report can aid in shaping diplomatic relations by reassuring international bodies of our ethical commitment.
- May influence global opinions on U.S. military operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Human rights advocate (Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to uphold civilian safety. The report may pressure the DoD to improve its standards.
- A positive step, but need ongoing vigilance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Defense budget analyst (North Carolina)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The financial outlay must be justified by tangible changes in military operations.
- The cost is significant, so it needs to translate into better on-ground results.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Journalist covering military affairs (New Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Publicizing this report can enhance transparency in military practices.
- It's a welcome development, but we need actions following the findings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Engaging a federally funded research and development center typically involves substantial costs but leverages high expertise.
- The bill focuses on improving practices for distinguishing civilians and combatants, potentially saving lives and reducing wrongful engagements.
- Indirect impacts on military operations and international perception could arise from implementing report recommendations.