Military Combatants

Military combatants are individuals officially recognized as members of armed forces engaged in an armed conflict. They include soldiers, sailors, airmen, and other personnel authorized to participate in hostilities. Combatants have specific rights and responsibilities under international law, such as the right to military engagement and protections if captured. They differentiate from civilians, who are non-participants in hostilities. The status of a combatant affects how they are treated during and after conflict under conventions like the Geneva Conventions. Their role is to carry out military objectives while adhering to rules governing conduct during war.