---
name: "civilian"
type: command
status: ok
groups: ["Sides"]
arma3_since: "0.50"
locality: {"argument": null, "effect": null, "server_exec": false}
source: https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/civilian
revid: 343875
updated: 2023-07-27T16:10:26Z
---

# civilian

*Command · Sides · Arma 3 v0.50 · introduced in Operation Flashpoint v1.00*

## Description

Pre-defined variable for the civilian [side](../topics/Side.md).

When used in a [format](../commands/format.md) statement (`hint format ["%1", civilian]`), the string returned is `"CIV"`.

## Syntax

```sqf
civilian
```

**Returns:** [Side](../topics/Side.md)

## Examples

### Example 1

SQS:

```sqs
? side _unit == civilian : hint "This is a civilian unit!"
```

### Example 2

[SQF](../topics/SQF_Syntax.md):

```sqf
if (side _unit == civilian) then
{
    hint "This is a civilian unit!";
};
```

## See also

[side](../commands/side.md) · [west](../commands/west.md) · [east](../commands/east.md) · [resistance](../commands/resistance.md) · [sideEmpty](../commands/sideEmpty.md) · [sideAmbientLife](../commands/sideAmbientLife.md)

## Community notes

**Ceeeb** — 2007-02-12

In **OFP v1.96**, empty vehicles, objects and dead soldiers are on side civilian.

---

**KC Grimes** — 2018-05-01

In **Arma 3 v1.82**, units where [setCaptive](../commands/setCaptive.md) and/or [setUnconscious](../commands/setUnconscious.md) are set to true are on side civilian, regardless of low rating (Renegade status).

<sub>Source: [BI Community Wiki — civilian](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/civilian) (revision 343875).</sub>