The military Code of Conduct is a guide to all members of the armed forces. It’s purpose is to illustrate how you are supposed to act if you are captured by an enemy in a time of war. It is an ethical guide, not necessarily a practical handbook. This code is taught to everyone who goes into service in the military and its history goes back to 1955 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued his Executive Order 10631. The Code has been relatively unchanged since then except to remove any reference to gender (thank you PC police) and a minor word change from “bound” to “required”. I have included the text from the original below.
This code has stood the test of time and reading it again recently, I was reminded of the feelings I had when I first heard these simple but powerful words and imagined myself in a situation where I would be counted on by my country to remember these six phrases and obligated by loyalty to live them out. I was also surprised to read the words again and draw parallels to how we as leaders, Preppers and people who care for more than ourselves could view the same guidelines. I decided to write up my own thoughts as it relates to prepping and form a sort of Preppers Code of Conduct.
1. I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
We should all consider ourselves serving in the forces that guard our country and our way of life. So much of what we have known as good and pure is under attack right now. If you don’t step up and defend what is right who will? There are numerous scenarios that could play out in our lives but I understand at a core level that I am prepared to give my life in defense of my country. This goes for my family as well.
2. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.
In an emergency the will to overcome and live is the difference between success and failure for a lot of people. This is true in our current political climate as well. It is easy to give up; to take the blue pill and wake up blissfully unaware back in your soft warm bed. The truly courageous take the other path; the red pill, and strive against the forces that are aligned against them. Having the commitment to “never surrender” is of utmost importance as a Prepper. People may depend on your leadership and your strength. You may have to lead everyone out of whatever situation you face and giving up shouldn’t be an option.
3. 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.
You don’t have to be captured to resist. You may be resisting tyranny or oppression. Strive to resist the constraints placed on you and others that you care for. Tell as many people as you can and share knowledge that you hope could save lives with everyone possible. Never stop trying to get out of your situation. If we are talking about a political reality that forces you to accept enslavement for creature comforts and security, you must resist.
4. 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.
If you are trapped, maintain a close relationship with those around you because they may be the only ones you can count on someday. Never give up your friends or neighbors to the forces that may be in power over you. If you are reading this you may very well be the leader who needs to give orders in an emergency or survival situation. Inaction may force you to step up.
5. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only 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.
This has a lot of implications with OPSEC. Be mindful of the information you are giving people. What people? In today’s world it is everyone. The places you shop, the credit card companies, the banks, and the government. Maintain your integrity in all you do and say.
6. I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, 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.
Never forget who you are regardless of what country you live in. You are responsible for your own actions and the people that have been entrusted to you. Trust in your God to lead you if the time comes that you have to remember this code and apply it to your own life.
I hope to see you all on the other side.