My journey this week starts with “cleaning out” my billfold. One item that I have carried for the last 55 years is my original copy of the Military Code of Conduct issued to me when I entered the service. Veterans would recognize this 2-inch x3-inch card, although my copy is so worn it is almost unreadable. The card is distributed to all active-duty personnel. It is especially applicable at times of war or imprisonment. Wikipedia described the “Code of the United States Fighting Force as an ethics guide and a United States Department of Defense directive consisting of the six articles. It is considered an important part of tradition and US military doctrine but is not ‘formal military law’ in the manner of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or of international law, such as the Geneva Conventions.” This Military Code of Conduct is as follows:
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.
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.
