True or False: Civilian casualties must be considered in military planning to maintain proportionality.

The statement is true because maintaining proportionality in military planning requires a comprehensive assessment of all potential effects of military actions, including civilian casualties. Proportionality is a fundamental principle of the laws of armed conflict, which dictates that the anticipated military advantage gained from an attack must be proportionate to the potential harm inflicted on civilians and civilian property.

When planning military operations, decision-makers must weigh the necessity of achieving military objectives against the risk of harming non-combatants. The goal is to minimize civilian casualties and destruction, ensuring actions are justifiable in light of the military advantage gained. Failing to account for potential civilian harm can lead to excessive collateral damage, which not only undermines legal and ethical standards but can also diminish support for military operations and hinder strategic objectives.

Considering civilian casualties in military planning reflects a commitment to uphold international humanitarian law and ethical conduct in warfare. It emphasizes the importance of careful planning and execution to balance military effectiveness with humanitarian considerations.