Military conduct SAILOR’S CREED “I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with honor, courage and commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.” Every Sailor should set an example of high personal and military ideals. Every Sailor should always set a good example for other, perhaps younger, nonrated personnel.

Set the example Act in a military manner Put the good of the ship and the Navy before personal likes and dislikes Obey the rules of military courtesy and etiquette as well as military law Demonstrate loyalty, self-control, honesty, and truthfulness Know what to do in an emergency and how to do it with the least waste of time and with minimum confusion. You represent the Navy, and Sea Cadets. People form their opinions of the Navy and Sea Cadets on your appearance and actions. Be morally responsible, this means you know what is right and what is wrong, and you strive to do what is right. As a moral person you perform all assigned duties as correctly and timely as possible without worrying about personal gain or inconveniences.

To succeed in any line of work, you must be devoted to duty and able to take orders. All personnel must work as a team, some tasks one person alone cannot accomplish. The Navy isn’t the place for the immature self-seeker who puts forth his/her best efforts only when some personal advantage is to be gained. Also, the Navy doesn’t have room for the resentful, hardheaded, self-important person who can’t take an order. Rules and regulations serve as guides for daily living and, if followed by all, make life more pleasant and easier for all hands.

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 or 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.

Discipline Discipline comes from Latin meaning “to teach.” Discipline involves a certain type of teaching, it is the training that develops self-control, character, and efficiency. DISCIPLINE IS A CHARACTER BUILDER, NOT A DESTROYER OF INDIVIDUALITY. The Navy’s discipline consists of training its Sailors to behave in certain ways under certain circumstances. It gets them to work as a unit with efficiency. Signs of discipline are shown in smart salutes, proper wearing of uniforms, prompt and correct response to orders or direction.