Until status can be determined, US policy treats all individuals as what?

The correct answer indicates that until a person's status is determined, U.S. policy categorizes all individuals as prisoners of war (POWs). This policy is grounded in the principle of presumption in favor of protections afforded under the Geneva Conventions. When individuals are captured during hostilities or armed conflict, U.S. military doctrine emphasizes the need to safeguard human rights and ensure humane treatment, regardless of the individuals' actual status or conduct.

By treating everyone as POWs until proven otherwise, the U.S. ensures that no one is denied the fundamental rights guaranteed under international humanitarian law. This approach reflects a commitment to uphold ethical standards and legal protections in warfare, contributing to the broader goals of just conflict and human rights preservation.

The other options represent different classifications that apply to individuals under various circumstances. Civilians and noncombatants, for instance, generally refer to people not engaged in combat, while lawful combatants are those who meet specific criteria to be recognized as combatants under international law. However, until an individual’s specific status is determined, the conservative approach of treating all captured persons as POWs aligns with ensuring their rights and humane treatment.