Section 111 General Combat Leadership Flashcards
Explain the Code of Conduct
- Prisoners of war are in the hands of the enemy Power, but not of the individuals or military units who have captured them. Irrespective of the individual responsibilities that may exist, the Detaining Power is responsible for the treatment given them.
- Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited, and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention.
- Prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.
- Prisoners of war are entitled in all circumstances to respect for their persons and their honor. Women shall be treated with all the regard due to their sex and shall in all cases benefit by treatment as favorable as that granted to men.
- The Power detaining prisoners of war shall be bound to provide free of charge for their maintenance and for the medical attention required by their state of health.
• Article 1: “I am an American fighting in the armed forces, which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense”
Interpretation: I am a Marine. I will fight and if necessary, die for my country and our way of life
• Article 2: “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.”
Interpretation: I will never surrender as long as I can fight, not will I surrender the Marines in my charge if they can fight. If they should lose the means to fight, they will take all possible steps to evade capture
• Article 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.”
Interpretation: If I am captured, I will not take any favors or special treatment from the enemy, and I will resist and escape, if possible. If I can help Marines and others to escape, I will do so
• Article 4: “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 very harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of senior prisoners, regardless of the branch of service (U.S. or Allied Nation.)
Interpretation: If I am a prisoner, I will help my fellow prisoners and not sell them out for favors from the enemy. If senior, I will take charge; if not, I will follow the orders of the senior prisoner, regardless of the branch of service (U.S. or Allied Nation).
• Article 5: ‘‘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 give no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.”
Interpretation: If taken prisoner, I will give my service number (SSN), name, rank, and date of birth, as required. I may fill out a Geneva Convention Capture Card, but I am not required to. I may also write letters home and talk with the enemy about 1natters of health my country, or its allies
• Article 6: “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.”
Interpretation: I am a Marine fighting to keep my country free. I will be responsible for my conduct, and I will trust in my God and my country
Identify the four specific items of information under Article 5 that Marines and Sailors are required to give to their captors.
- Name
- Rank
- Service Number (SSN)
- Date of Birth
State the rights and obligations of Enemy Prisoners of War (EPWs).
- Receive sanitary, protective housing and clothing
- Receive sufficient amount of food to sustain good health
- Receive adequate medical care
- Receive necessary facilities for proper hygiene
- Practice religious faith
- Keep possessions and personal property except weapons, military equipment, and documents
- Send and receive mail
- Receive packages containing non-contraband items such as food, clothing, and educational, religious, and recreational materials
State the procedures for handling Enemy Prisoners of War (EPWs).
- Prisoners of war are in the hands of the enemy Power, but not of the individuals or military units who have captured them. Irrespective of the individual responsibilities that may exist, the Detaining Power is responsible for the treatment given them.
- Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited, and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention.
- Prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.
- Prisoners of war are entitled in all circumstances to respect for their persons and their honor. Women shall be treated with all the regard due to their sex and shall in all cases benefit by treatment as favorable as that granted to men.
- The Power detaining prisoners of war shall be bound to provide free of charge for their maintenance and for the medical attention required by their state of health.
