a moral guide to war
During early wars such as World War I, many Americans were giving up information quite easily to avoid being tortured. In 1955 the Army finally decided to put together the Code of Conduct. This is made up of six articles and is drawn from military traditions dating back to colonial times. The six articles outline these ideas:
To this day every military personnel follows the Code of Conduct. The same ideas in this code are outlined in the oath of enlistment.
- To defend of the United States and its way of life.
- To avoid surrender and to evade capture at any cost short of death.
- To try to escape if captured.
- To reject favors from the enemy.
- To help fellow prisoners stay alive.
- To avoid collaborating with the enemy.
- To avoid statements or writing that discredit the United States or its allies.
- To maintain personal responsibility for all actions.
- To trust the U.S. government to care for your loved ones and work toward your release.
To this day every military personnel follows the Code of Conduct. The same ideas in this code are outlined in the oath of enlistment.