The code: It could save your life

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dana Venenga
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  With Senator John McCain as a candidate in the 2008 presidential election, I was reminded about the significance of the code of the U.S. fighting force. 

Senator McCain lived by the code as a Vietnam POW for five and a half years. I've long felt our American POW's are incredibly mentally strong, and absolute heroes, in part because of living by the code. 

The code of the U.S. fighting force is an ethical guide and a Department of Defense directive to members of the armed forces addressing how U.S. personnel in combat should conduct themselves should they become prisoners of war. It was established by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955. 

Article 1 - 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. 

Active-duty members have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, regardless of the personal cost. 

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. 

Only when evasion by an individual is impossible, and further fighting would lead only to death with no significant loss to the enemy, should one consider surrender. 

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. 

Senator McCain refused the special favor of early release offered by his captors a short time after his imprisonment ... he was a prisoner for five and a half years. 

Article 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. 

In addition to faith in God, if they choose, prisoners must keep faith with their fellow prisoners and avoid any action which might cause harm to fellow prisoners. 

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 make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. 

U.S. POW's must be very aware of potential propaganda providing situations. 

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. 

Prisoners of war standing firm and united against the enemy will support and inspire one another in surviving their ordeal and in prevailing over misfortune with honor. 

Please keep our deployed military and civilian warriors in your thoughts and prayers.