Code Of Conduct

Front 1

WHAT IS ARTICLE I?

Back 1

I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life.

I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Hint 1

applies to all Service members at all times. A member of the Armed Forces has a duty to support U.S. interests and oppose U.S. enemies regardless of the circumstances, whether located in a combat environment or in captivity.

Medical personnel and chaplains are obligated to abide by the provisions of the CoC; however, their special retained status under the Geneva Conventions grants them some flexibility in its implementation.

Front 2

WHAT IS ARTICLE II?

Back 2

I will never surrender of my own free will.

If in command,
I will never surrender the members of my command
while they still have the means to resist.

Hint 2

Members of the Armed Forces may never surrender voluntarily. Even when isolated and no longer able to inflict casualties on the enemy or otherwise defend themselves, it is their duty to evade capture and rejoin the nearest friendly force.

Front 3

WHAT IS ARTICLE III?

Back 3

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available.

I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape.

I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Hint 3

The misfortune of capture does not lessen the duty of a member of the Armed Forces to continue resisting enemy exploitation by all means available. Contrary to the Geneva Conventions, enemies whom U.S. forces have engaged since 1949 have regarded the POW compound as an extension of the battlefield. The POW must be prepared for this fact.

Front 4

WHAT IS ARTICLE IV?

Back 4

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners.

I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades.

If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Hint 4

Officers and noncommissioned officers shall continue to carry out their responsibilities and exercise their authority in captivity.

Front 5

WHAT IS ARTICLE V?

Back 5

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war,
I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth.

I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability.

I will make no oral or written statements
disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Hint 5

When questioned, a POW is required by the Geneva Conventions and the CoC, and is permitted by the UCMJ, to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. Under the Geneva Conventions, the enemy has no right to try to force a POW to provide any additional information. However, it is unrealistic to expect a POW to remain confined for years reciting only name, rank, service number, and date of birth. There are many POW camp situations in which certain types of conversation with the enemy are permitted. For example, a POW is allowed, but not required by the CoC, the UCMJ, or the Geneva Conventions, to fill out a Geneva Conventions "capture card," to write letters home, and to communicate with captors on matters of camp administration and health and welfare.

Front 6

WHAT IS ARTICLE VI?

Back 6

I will never forget that I am an American,
fighting for freedom,
responsible for my actions,
and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.

I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

Hint 6

A member of the Armed Forces remains responsible for personal actions at all times. Article VI is designed to assist members of the Armed Forces to fulfill their responsibilities and survive captivity with honor. The CoC does not conflict with the UCMJ, which continues to apply to each military member during captivity or other hostile detention. Failure to adhere to the CoC may subject Service members to applicable disposition under the UCMJ.