Who are considered non-combatants in the Navy?

Non-combatants in the Navy refer to individuals who are not directly involved in combat operations or military hostilities. This category includes individuals who provide essential support services that contribute to the overall mission without engaging in combat themselves. Chaplains offer spiritual care and support to the crew, medics and doctors attend to medical needs and health services, journalists may report on Navy activities without engaging in combat, and civilians often provide various forms of support and assistance, making them key to the operation's success without being combatants.

In contrast, sailors and pilots, ship captains and engineers, as well as military police and security personnel, are typically involved in operations that may include combat situations. Therefore, they do not fall under the designation of non-combatants. The distinction is important for understanding roles within the Navy and the legal implications related to armed conflict and protections for non-combatants outlined by international law.