22.3 Code of Conduct (AFH-1 Section 19C)
Key Takeaways
On the 15 February 2025 ADTC, Section 19C Code of Conduct is B for both SSgt and TSgt.
The Code of Conduct is a moral code, not a punitive statute; violations are not criminally punishable per se, though acts that also violate the UCMJ may still bring disciplinary action.
President Eisenhower published the Code on 17 August 1955; President Reagan amended it with gender-neutral language in March 1988.
Code of Conduct training has three levels: A for all members at entry, B for moderate risk of capture such as ground combat units, and C for significant or high risk plus greater-than-average exploitation, such as aircrews and pararescue.
Article V requires name, rank, service number, and date of birth; a prisoner of war must evade further questions to the utmost and make no disloyal or harmful statements.
22.3 Code of Conduct (AFH-1 Section 19C)
Quick Answer: Section 19C is B for SSgt and B for TSgt. The Code is a moral code (Eisenhower, 17 August 1955; Reagan, March 1988). Training A / B / C. Recite Articles I–VI. Article V is name, rank, service number, date of birth.
A moral code and three training levels (19.11)
The Code of Conduct is a moral code that all members are expected to measure up to. Its six articles apply in combat, POW captivity, and other hostile detention, such as hostage scenarios. Violations are not criminally punishable per se, but UCMJ-violating acts may still bring disciplinary action. Training depth depends on capture risk, sensitive information, and exploitation value.
| Level | Who and when |
|---|---|
| A — Entry Level Training | Minimum for all members; given to all personnel during entry training |
| B — After Assumption of Duty Eligibility | Enhanced Level A; moderate risk of capture, such as ground combat units; trained as soon as duty makes them eligible |
| C — Upon Assumption of Duties or Responsibilities | Enhanced A and B; significant or high risk of capture plus greater-than-average exploitation. Examples: aircrews and special mission forces, such as pararescue teams |
The six articles as printed (19.12)
President Dwight D. Eisenhower published the Code on 17 August 1955. In March 1988, President Ronald W. Reagan amended it with gender-neutral language.
| Article | Text as AFH 1 prints it |
|---|---|
| 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 defense. |
| II | 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. |
| III | 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. |
| IV | 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. |
| 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 and its allies or harmful to their cause. |
| VI | 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. |
Article I applies to all members at all times. Honorable survival needs dedication, faith in American democratic institutions and the United States, and loyalty to fellow prisoners.
Article II forbids voluntary surrender. Even when isolated, evade capture and rejoin the nearest friendly force. Surrender is giving oneself up. Capture is no means to resist, evasion impossible, and further fighting would mean death with no significant loss to the enemy — and that capture is not dishonorable.
Article III: capture does not lessen the duty to resist exploitation. Do not seek special privileges or accept special favors at fellow prisoners' expense. Take escape opportunities under the senior military person. Do not sign a parole agreement.
Article IV: Informing or any action detrimental to a fellow POW is despicable and expressly forbidden. Organize under the senior military POW, regardless of service; the next senior takes over if needed. Hygiene, sanitation, and care of the sick and wounded are imperative.
Article V: give name, rank, service number, and date of birth; evade further questions to the utmost. A POW may, but is not required to, complete a Geneva capture card, write letters home, and discuss health and welfare. Resist confessions, questionnaires, and propaganda. If coerced, recover quickly and resist successive efforts.
Article VI: remain responsible for personal actions. After repatriation, capture and detention can be reviewed. The United States will use every available means to contact, support, and obtain release. Keep personal affairs up to date. No United States prisoner of war will be forgotten.
Detention in operations other than war (19.13)
Personnel isolated from U.S. control must still survive with honor. In operations other than war, Geneva POW protections may not apply, so domestic criminal laws of the detaining nation may govern. Use the Code as a moral guide. Organize under the senior military member and keep military bearing.
| Situation | AFH 1 guidance |
|---|---|
| Unfriendly government | Subject to that government's laws. Ask immediately and continually for U.S. embassy personnel or an allied or neutral representative. In OOTW evasion, do not act as combatants. Give name, rank, service number, date of birth, and the innocent circumstances of detention. Do not refuse release unless it would compromise honor or damage the United States or its allies. DoD does not recommend escape except under life-threatening circumstances |
| Terrorist hostage | Least predictable. Treat unclear captors as genuine terrorists. Establish rapport. Avoid the terrorists' cause, politics, or religion. During rescue, take cover, remain stationary when practicable, and do not attempt to help rescuers |
How does AFH 1 describe the legal character of the Code of Conduct?
It is a punitive article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that applies only after a member is captured
It is a moral code; violations are not criminally punishable per se, but actions that also violate the UCMJ may subject members to disciplinary action
It binds officers only; enlisted members follow local commander guidance instead
It replaces the Geneva Conventions for U.S. personnel in international armed conflict
When questioned as a prisoner of war, what is a U.S. member required to give under Article V as AFH 1 prints it?
Full military biography, unit of assignment, and any information needed to fill out captor questionnaires
Silence on every question, including name, because any speech is a disloyal statement
Name, rank, service number, and date of birth, while evading further questions to the utmost of the member's ability
A parole agreement in exchange for lessened restraint, then only health-and-welfare comments
Which Code of Conduct training level does AFH 1 assign to aircrews and pararescue teams?
Level A only, because entry training already covers every Airman
Level B, because aircrews have only a moderate risk of capture similar to ground combat units
No Code of Conduct training, because aircrew survival is taught only under the law of war
Level C, the enhanced level for significant or high risk of capture and greater-than-average exploitation efforts by a captor
Under Article II as AFH 1 explains it, what is the difference between surrender and capture?
Surrender is the willful act of giving oneself up; capture occurs when there is no means to resist, evasion is impossible, and further fighting would lead to death with no significant loss to the enemy — and that kind of capture is not dishonorable
Capture and surrender are the same act; both are always dishonorable if the member is still armed
A commander may surrender a unit whenever the unit is isolated, even if the unit still has the means to resist
Members must fight to the death in every case; capture is never authorized and is always punished
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.