Responsibilities under the Code of Conduct

Who It Applies To

The six articles address situations any member could encounter. They provide basic information useful to:

• Prisoners of war — to survive honorably while resisting captors' exploitation
• Service members subject to other hostile detention, such as hostage scenarios

Survival and resistance in hostile situations requires knowledge and understanding of the six articles.

Code of Conduct vs. UCMJ

However: Actions that also violate the UCMJ may subject members to disciplinary action.

The level of knowledge needed depends on:

• How likely members are to be captured
• Their exposure to sensitive information
• How useful or valuable a captor considers them to be

Code of Conduct training is conducted at three levels:

Level A — Entry Level Training

The minimum level for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Imparted during entry training.

Level B — After Assumption of Duty Eligibility

An enhanced version of Level A.

Minimum level needed for service members whose jobs, specialties, or assignments entail moderate risk of capture — such as members of ground combat units.

Level C — Upon Assumption of Duties

An enhanced version of Levels A and B.

Examples: - Aircrews - Special mission forces (such as pararescue teams)