Part of Standards of Conduct · 7 sections · ~1536 words · WAPS PFE study material
The Code consists of six articles, each addressing a specific aspect of conduct in captivity and service.
Article I applies to all members at all times.
A member of the U.S. Armed Forces has a duty to support U.S. interests and oppose U.S. enemies regardless of the circumstances — whether in active combat or captivity.
Past experiences of captured Americans reveal that honorable survival requires a high degree of dedication and motivation.
What these qualities require: - Knowledge of and strong belief in American democratic institutions and concepts - Love of and faith in the United States - Conviction that the United States' cause is just - Faith in and loyalty to fellow POWs
These beliefs and trust may help POWs survive long, stressful periods of captivity — and return to their country and families with honor and self-esteem intact.
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces may never surrender voluntarily.
Even when isolated and no longer able to inflict casualties on the enemy — their duty is to evade capture and rejoin the nearest friendly force.
Capture dictated by overwhelming enemy strength and the futility of fighting is NOT dishonorable.
Understand and have confidence in: - Search and recovery rescue procedures - Evasion destination procedures
A U.S. commander who shamefully surrenders to the enemy any command or place it's their duty to defend — is subject to punishment.
Also subject to punishment: anyone who compels or attempts to compel a commander to give up a command, or who strikes the colors or flag to an enemy without proper authority.
A member's duty to continue to resist enemy exploitation by all means available is NOT lessened by the misfortune of capture.
Tactics enemies have used to exploit POWs: - Physical and mental harassment - General mistreatment - Torture - Medical neglect - Political indoctrination - Tempting with special favors or privileges in return for statements, information, or pledges
Under the guidance and supervision of the senior military person, the POW must be prepared to take advantage of escape opportunities — considering the welfare of POWs who remain behind.
Why escape efforts matter: - Causes the enemy to divert forces that may otherwise be fighting - Provides the U.S. with valuable information about the enemy and other POWs - Serves as a positive example to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces
Officers and enlisted members continue to carry out their responsibilities and exercise authority in captivity.
POWs must avoid helping the enemy identify fellow POWs with valuable knowledge.
Strong leadership is essential to discipline. Without discipline, camp organization, resistance, and even survival may be impossible.
Imperative priorities in captivity: - Personal hygiene - Camp sanitation - Care of the sick and wounded
POWs must organize in a military manner under the senior military POW — regardless of military service.
If the senior POW is incapacitated: The next senior POW assumes command.
Members must be familiar with: - Principles of hygiene and sanitation - Health maintenance and first aid - Physical conditioning - Food utilization
The "Big Four": - Name - Rank - Service number - Date of birth
It is unrealistic to expect a POW to remain confined for years reciting only these four things. Certain types of conversation with the enemy are permitted:
Permitted activities (not required by the Code, UCMJ, or Geneva Conventions): - Fill out a Geneva Conventions capture card - Write letters home - Communicate with captors on matters of health and welfare
The senior POW is required to represent POWs in matters of camp administration, health, welfare, and grievances.
Even when physically and mentally coerced: - Giving oral or written confessions - Answering questionnaires - Providing personal history statements - Making propaganda recordings and broadcast appeals - Appealing for U.S. surrender or parole - Engaging in self-criticism - Providing statements harmful to the U.S., allies, Armed Forces, or other POWs
But: The POW must recover as quickly as possible and resist successive efforts to the utmost.
A member remains responsible for personal actions at all times.
Upon repatriation, POWs can expect their actions to be subject to review — including both: - Circumstances of capture - Conduct during detention
Purpose of the review: - Recognize meritorious performance - If necessary, investigate any allegations of misconduct
Reviews are conducted with due regard for the rights of the individual and consideration for the conditions of captivity.
The U.S. Government will use every available means to: - Establish contact with POWs - Support them - Obtain their release
U.S. laws provide for support and care of dependents of U.S. Armed Forces — including POW family members.
Military members must ensure personal affairs and family matters are up to date at all times.
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