Marine Corps Knowledge

The Articles of the 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 defence

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 have they still have the means to resist

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 never receive parole of 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 nor 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 back them in every way.

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, it's allies or harmful to it's 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 make my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America