Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Secretary of Defense to provide certain resources to implement the Department of Defense policy on civilian harm in connection with United States military operations, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense to assign personnel to specified offices and commands to be responsible for providing guidance related to the prevention of harm to civilians.
Sponsors: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Target Audience
Population: Civilians in areas impacted by US military operations
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill is related to preventing harm to civilians during military operations conducted by the United States.
- Military operations conducted by the United States take place globally, often in regions experiencing conflict or instability, where civilian populations are most at risk of harm.
- The implementation of policies to prevent civilian harm will likely directly benefit civilians in conflict zones where US military operations are active.
- Military personnel involved in operations or in the execution of defense policies will also be indirectly impacted as they adjust to new procedures and policies aimed at civilian harm mitigation.
- All civilians globally in areas of US military operation or potential future operations are considered, due to the broad and international scope of military actions.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to assign personnel to oversee the prevention of civilian harm in military operations, meaning its effects are primarily felt by military personnel and indirectly by civilians via shifts in operational conduct.
- Given the specific international focus of US military operations, direct effects on US civilians within the country are minimal except for those involved in military operations.
- American military personnel, both currently deployed and in training, will need to adapt to these changes, impacting their work scope and potentially improving their moral standing by emphasizing the reduction of civilian harm.
- The policy is funded sufficiently for advisory and implementation purposes within military infrastructure, but direct effects on broader civilian populations can only be speculative since they depend on successful operational changes.
- The general US population's awareness and perception of military operations might be marginally affected due to increased visibility and emphasis on civilian protection.
Simulated Interviews
Military Commander (San Diego, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy brings important awareness of human rights into our operations.
- However, it might create additional bureaucratic layers that could slow down action in critical moments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Pentagon Policy Analyst (Washington, DC)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a step towards more humane operations, but effectiveness will depend on execution.
- There's always resistance to change, especially in entrenched systems.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Soldier (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good to see efforts in reducing civilian casualties; it gives more meaning to our mission.
- Concerns about how it could complicate decision-making under pressure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Peace Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive move, but it feels like a small concession.
- We need broader reforms on how military decisions are made.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This development could shift public perception positively if well-publicized.
- The real test will be in seeing actual policy outcomes.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Defense Contractor (Arlington, VA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might lead to more contracts for advisory roles, a potential business opportunity.
- Still, skeptical about how much will change practically on the ground.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good policy for those still serving; it means they carry less burden of guilt.
- I wish similar measures existed during my service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns with ethical standards in simulations; ensuring virtual training adheres to real-world ethical policies is crucial.
- Little direct impact on daily life but could alter project specifications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Military Historian (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Historically, such policies mark shifts towards more ethical conduct, but often only gradually.
- I hope to see these efforts reflected in future historical analyses of current operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Military Recruiter (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change might make military service seem more appealing to those concerned with ethical conduct.
- I don't see an immediate impact on recruitment numbers but potential long-term positive influence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $32000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $37000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring adequate training and resources are allocated to the new personnel to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
- The importance of ongoing review and updates to policies as conflict dynamics change.
- The scope of impact is global but may vary significantly depending on operation locations and nature.
- Potential for reduced negative publicity and diplomatic incidents through demonstrable civilian protection efforts.