UCMJ & Military Justice AR 350-30

Code of Conduct

The six articles governing the behavior of captured U.S. military personnel.

Overview

The Code of Conduct provides guidance for the behavior of U.S. military members who are captured or detained by hostile forces. It was established by Executive Order 10631 in 1955 following the Korean War, where some POWs collaborated with the enemy. It consists of six articles.

Article I & II

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.

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.

Article III & IV

Article III: If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article 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.

Article V & VI

Article V: 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.

Article 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.

Key Points

  • You are only required to give the 'Big 4': Name, Rank, Service Number, and Date of Birth.
  • The senior person among POWs takes command regardless of military branch.
  • You must attempt to escape if possible.
  • You never accept special favors or parole from the enemy.

Board Tips

Be able to recite all six articles verbatim. The board will almost certainly ask you to state one or more articles. Know the 'Big 4' — what you are required to give if captured. Article V is asked most frequently. If a board member asks what your 'Service Number' is today, confidently answer that it is your DoD ID Number.