During the summer we were required to memorize different aspects of military life. Included in our summer knowledge were many historical speeches and modern statements about the academy and the military. While memorizing this I found a piece of knowledge that inspired me. The Code of Conduct.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 if harmful to their cause.
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.
As you can see from my fathers reaction to my wanting to come here, he wasn't to thrilled with the idea. He grew up in the Vietnam era, and had a rather distrust of the army in general. He supports my decision to come here 100%. At times he is my strongest supporter. He understands that this is the career I have chosen and that this is what I would like to do with my life.