Why do soldiers target civilians in war?

Answer 1

No, not from past wars, but they always were involved, one way or another. In today's 21st century, a new type of war has surfaced; the war against terrorism (the Global War on Terrorists). This war involves police work (law enforcement work). For the first time, the US Military (in the middle 1990s) was authorized to operate in and as law enforcement.

This was due largely because of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, and the accompanying US Military base closures. With no reason to exist, the US military was faced with "near" extinction (un-employment), and thusly, accepted the NEW ROLE of law enforcement.

So...now, "should civilians be military targets in wartime?" Under this new war (on terrorism) and under the new "military", civilians might be more involved than ever before...as the enemy (terrorists) DO NOT wear uniforms, and neither do civilians.

Answer 2

If you're thinking of Sherman's crossing of Georgia, it shortened the war by months at almost nil casualties.

Burning the farms and wrecking the railroads helped to destroy civilian morale and starve the Confederate troops in the field. Also when Georgian troops in Lee's army heard about it, they felt they were needed at home, and deserted in large numbers. The others were barefoot and hungry and ready to surrender.

Answer 3

In most modern day wars armed military personnel often have a much greater number of casualties than the civilian population where the wars take place. However, many non military people become casualties in warfare. This happens when:

1. Terrorism is inflicted on populations by terrorists, meaning non uniformed persons who use bombs and other destructive weapons to terrorize the population.

2. Mistakes by military personnel can also inflict civilian casualties. This can be in the form of bombing a non military target by mistake. Or by errant ground fire from rifles and artillery.

3. So -called collateral deaths of civilians. This occurs when targeted enemy military positions are close to civilian populations. Shrapnel, and fires can cause deaths in these situations.

4. Government troops using poison gas. Within the last few months in a civil war in the Middle East, Government troops have been charged with purposely gassing innocent people in an effort to terrorize opposing forces in the civil war.

5. Disease & famine can be the result of opposing armies fighting each other. The conflict destroys fresh water sources and also prevents medical personnel from helping civilians caught in the middle of conflicting armies.