TRAINEE GUIDE - Recruit Training Command - The US Navy

TRAINEE GUIDE A-950-0001
OUTLINE SHEET 1-09-1 (continued)
(5) Do not attack enemy armed forces that surrender. Disarm
them and turn them over to your superiors.
(6) Prisoners of war (POW) are to be treated fairly and
protected against violence.
(7) Protect and respect chaplains, medical personnel, medical
facilities, and medical transportation.
(8) Attempt to prevent any violations of these rules.
(9) Report any violations of the rules.
e. Discussion
3. Purpose and Articles of the Code of Conduct
a. Purpose
(1) Provides American military personnel with a standard of
conduct should the enemy capture them.
(2) Applicable if captured during war or peace.
b. Articles of the Code of Conduct
(1) 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.
As a member of the Navy, it is your duty to oppose enemies
of the United States, whether in active combat or as a
prisoner of war (POW).
(2) 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.
(a) NEVER voluntarily surrender to enemy forces. If you
become isolated and can no longer harm the enemy,
attempt to evade capture and rejoin friendly forces.
(b) A commander does NOT have the authority to surrender
his/her command while it has the ability to resist or
evade the enemy.
(3) 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.
(a) Prisoners of war will resist the enemy and attempt to
escape.
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