United States Armed Forces Code of Conduct
God-Bless-America.org Proudly Presents
The Code of Conduct
For The United States Armed Forces
Established on 17 August, 1955 by President Eisenhower
Ammended/Updated on 03 November, 1977 by President Carter (Article V Only)
and again in March, 1988 by President Reagan
The legal authority supporting the Code of Conduct
is
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
All Military Members are Required to memorize this Code as part of their Basic Training.
The Code of Conduct
(as published in 1978)
I
I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defence.
II
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never Surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.
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.
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 oppointed over me and will back them up in every way.
V
(Original 1955 article)
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only 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.
V
(as changed by Executive Order signed on November 3, 1977 by President Carter)
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.
VI
I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, 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.
View a copy of the 1979 booklet - Click on a graphic for a full version
The Code of Conduct
(as published in 1988)
I
I am an American fighting in the forces that guard my country and our way of life, I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
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.
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.
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.
V
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.
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.
View a copy of the 1988 booklet - Click on a graphic for a full version
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Last updated 12/26/2016
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