Generic Noncombatant
Noncombatant |
Whether too ill, injured, or incapable of fighting, the noncombatant can't or won't participate effectively in hostilities. |
For those whose actions when bullets start flying are likely to be limited to immediate self-preservation, and who lack the ability to meaningfully contribute to combat efforts, use the non-combatant statistics. This can be used to represent scared and wholly untrained civilians, as well as young children, the very elderly, and those too ill or infirm to fight even in self-defense.
Note that this does not necessarily align with "non-combatant" status as defined in international law - doctors, clergymen, children, and the like may well be considered average or substandard combatants in Down Range based on their abilities, training, and inclination (whether willing or not) to fight.
No special game penalties are applied for targeting non-combatants. When using Down Range in an educational setting, players should consider the larger operational and political effects of such an action, however, and exercise judicious use of force accordingly. Depending on the force they're playing as, players are also advised to make creative use of non-combatants to further their objectives.