Code of Conduct

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Terminal Learning Objective

Action: Determine correct actions required

by Code of Conduct
Conditions: Instruction in a classroom using
materials provided with the lesson.
Standard: Score at least 70% on the written
test administered at the end of this
instruction.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 References
Number Title Date
AR 350-30 Code of Conduct/Survival, Evasion, 10 Dec 85
Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
Training
FM 21-78 (CFRD) Resistance and Escape (U) 15 Jun 89

FM 21-76 Survival 5 Jun 92

DOD Peacetime Detention and Hostage

Directive Survival
1300.7
FM 21-76 Survival 5 Jun 92
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Administrative Notes

• SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS NONE

• RISK ASSESSMENT LOW
• ENVIRON. CONSIDERATIONS NONE
• EVALUATION YES

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Enabling Learning Objective 1

Action: Explain what the standards of

the Code of Conduct
represents.
Conditions: Classroom setting and
presentation
Standards: IAW GTA 21-3-9.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct history
• American armed forces jointly developed a
Code of Conduct.
• Approved in 1955 by President Dwight D.
Eisenhower .
• Code of Conduct amended in 1998.
• The six articles of the code create a
comprehensive guide for all American
military forces in time of war, and in time of
peace.

TSP 331-S-0002
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 Code of Conduct
• The articles of the code embrace:
– general statements of dedication to the United States
and to the cause of freedom
– conduct on the battlefield
– conduct as a prisoner of war.
• Failure to adhere to the CoC may subject
Service members to applicable disposition under
the UCMJ.
• The Code of Conduct is a personal conduct
mandate for members of the American armed
forces throughout the world.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct: 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.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article I means
• Applies to all Service members at all times.
• Honorable survival in captivity requires that a service
member possess a high degree of dedication and
motivation.
• Must believe:
– The advantages of American democratic institutions and
concepts.
– Love of and faith in the United States and a conviction that
the U.S. cause is just.
– Faith in and loyalty to fellow POWs.

TSP 331-S-0002
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 Code of Conduct: 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.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article II means
• Surrender is always dishonorable and never
allowed.
• When there is no chance for meaningful
resistance, evasion is impossible, and further
fighting would lead to their death with no
significant loss to the enemy, members of
Armed Forces should view themselves as
"captured“
• If capture was dictated by the futility of the
situation, capture is not dishonorable.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct: Article 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.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article III means
• Continue resisting enemy exploitation by all
means available.
• Must not seek special privileges or accept
special favors at the expense of fellow
POWs.
• Understand the responsibilities of escapees
to their fellow POWs.
• Begin escape planning and continuing
escape planning throughout captivity.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct: 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.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article IV means
• Officers and NCOs shall continue to carry out
their responsibilities and exercise their
authority in captivity.
• A POW who voluntarily informs or
collaborates with the captor is disloyal to the
United States and fellow POWs and is
subject to UCMJ disciplinary actions.
• Key to survival is discipline

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct: 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.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article V means
• A POW must resist, avoid, or evade, even
when physically and mentally coerced, all
enemy efforts to secure statements or
actions that may further the enemy's
cause.
• Short of death it is unlikely that a POW
may prevent a skilled enemy interrogator
from obtaining some degree of compliance
by the POW with captor demands. In this
case always ‘bounce back’ TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Code of Conduct: Article VI

I will never forget

that I am an American, fighting for
freedom, responsible for my actions,
and dedicated to the principles
which make my country free.
I will trust in my God
and in the United States of America.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 What Article VI means
• POWs can expect their actions to be subject
to review, both as to circumstances of
capture and as to conduct during detention.
• Understand the relationship between the
UCMJ and the CoC. Realize that failure to
follow the guidance of the CoC may result in
subsequent disposition under the UCMJ .

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: What is the purpose of
the "Code of Conduct"?

Answer: It outlines the basic

responsibilities and obligations of
all members of the Armed Forces
of the United States.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: If you were captured as
a Prisoner of War, how many
Articles to the Code of Conduct
would apply and you would have to
know?

Answer: Six

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: As an "individual," may a
member of the armed forces
voluntarily surrender?

Answer: No

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: If captured, who must
accept command?

Answer: The senior soldier,

regardless of service.

TSP 331-S-0002
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 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: If you are not senior
what are your responsibilities under
the "Code of Conduct"?

Answer: I will obey the lawful

order of those appointed over me
and will back them up in every
way.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #1
Question: Name four (4) of the many
actions that every POW should resist.

Answer:
• Making oral or written confessions.
• Answering questionnaires.
• Providing personal histories.
• Appealing for surrender.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Enabling Learning Objective 2
Action: Explain how the Code of Conduct applies to military
personnel in captivity or hostile detention during
peacetime.
Conditions: You have been captured or taken as a hostage
(simulated) either from a combat-related PW situation or
from a peacetime terrorist-hostage activity.
Standards: Your description must—
a. Provide a comprehensive and accurate description
and assessment of the articles of the Code of Conduct in
relationship to U.S. military history and tradition and to the
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
b. Convey the Code of Conduct’s intended use as an
ethical guideline rather than as an inflexible law.
c. Explain the consequences should the responsibility
to survive captivity with honor and dignity not be fulfilled.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 PEACETIME

• Armed conflict does not exist.

• Armed conflict does exist, but U.S. is
not directly involved.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Directive 1300.7
Enclosure 3

• Provides guidance for the detaninee /

hostage during peacetime captivity.
• Does not replace or eliminate
UCMJ.

TSP 331-S-0002
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 Code of Conduct

• Articles I and VI: NO MODIFICATIONS

• The word ‘fighting’ may be replace with
‘serving’

TSP 331-S-0002
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 DOD Surrender Guidance

Hostile Government & Terrorist Group

• Remain calm.
• Don’t resist capture.
• Maintain military bearing.
• Project personal dignity.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Escape Guidance
Hostile Government
• Fall under their civil law.
• Do not have protection under GPW.
• Remember, jailbreak is a crime.
• Attempt escape only after careful
consideration.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Escape Guidance

Terrorist Groups
• Anticipate early release.
• Especially consider escape if terrorist
group is known to assassinate
prisoners.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Parole Guidance

Hostile Government & Terrorist Group

AUTHORIZED

TSP 331-S-0002
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 DOD Organization Guidance

Hostile Government & Terrorist Group

• Senior takes charge.
• Organize.
• Keep faith.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Authorized Communication
Hostile Government
• Give name, rank, SSN, DOB.
• Can provide innocent circumstances
leading to capture.
• May discuss health, welfare, and condition
of fellow detainees.
• Remember, there is no reason to sign
anything.
• Ask to see allied/neutral government
embassy representatives.
• Continually ask to be released or go home.
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 DOD Authorized Communication

Terrorist Group
• Follow ID process, but don’t lie.
• Humanize yourself.
• Discuss nonsubstantive topics.
• Listen actively, but never debate the
terrorist cause.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning: ELO #2
DOD Directive 1300.7, Enclosure 3:
• Remember, UCMJ applies.
• Survive with honor.
• Be aware of peacetime modifications to
code of conduct.
• Do not resist capture.
• Always resist exploitation.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Enabling Learning Objective 3

Action: Explain the eight psychological factors

of survival (pain, cold, heat, thirst,
hunger, fatigue, boredom, and
loneliness).
Conditions: Given the requirement to develop a
survival program.
Standards: You must explain the eight
psychological factors of survival IAW
FM 21-76.

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
Psychological Factors of Survival

• Pain • Hunger
• Cold • Fatigue
• Heat • Boredom
• Thirst • Loneliness

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Enabling Learning Objective 4

Action: Define the key word SURVIVAL and

how it is used as a survival planning
tool.
Conditions: Given the requirement to develop a
survival program.
Standards: The student must describe the eight
psychological factors of a survival
situation and ways to combat them
using the following letters in the key
word SURVIVAL, IAW FM 21-76:
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
SURVIVAL

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• Size Up the Situation
– Security
– Senses
– Surroundings
– Physical Condition
– Inventory
– Assessment

TSP 331-S-0002
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 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are
• V anquish Fear and Panic

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are
• V anquish Fear and Panic
• I mprovise
– Tools
– Equipment

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are
• V anquish Fear and Panic
• I mprovise
• V alue Living

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 SURVIVAL
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are
• V anquish Fear and Panic
• I mprovise
• V alue Living
• A ct Like the Natives
• L earn Basic Skills

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Check on Learning : ELO #4
Question: What is the acronym for
SURVIVAL?
Answer:
• S ize Up the Situation
• U ndue Haste Makes Waste
• R emember Where You Are
• V anquish Fear and Panic
• I mprovise
• V alue Living
• A ct Like the Natives
• L earn Basic Skills
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
 Summary
You are an AMERICAN SOLDIER!
You must never forget why you are a soldier.
You must never forget what you are fighting for.
You must never give up.
You must know know the Code of Conduct
You must know and learn how to SURVIVE!

TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS
TSP 331-S-0002
0708, Phase II, OCS