Code of Conduct

[jerry]

Posted a long time ago, but worth repeating.

The Code of Conduct.
As a member of the US Armed Forces, you are protecting your
nation. It is your duty to oppose all enemies of the United
States whether in combat or as a captive in a prisoner of war
(POW) facility. The Code of Conduct is a guide for your proper
behavior. This code is the result of the heroic lives, experiences,
and deeds of Americans from the Revolutionary War through
our more recent conflicts.
ARTICLE I. I am an American, fighting in the forces
which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to
give my life in their defense.
ARTICLE II. 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.
ARTICLE III. If I am captured, I will continue to resist
by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid
others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors
from the enemy.
ARTICLE IV. 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.
ARTICLE V. 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.
ARTICLE VI. 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.

HUA!

[Seabeescotty]

Thanks, Jerry. It's been awhile since I actually read them, but they're pretty much engrained in my mind. I lived by them in uniform, and still believe in them today. My kids now live by them, and I'm proud that they take the job so seriously.