Watch Standing Principles
Watch Standing Principle 1
RECEIVE SUFFICIENT TRAINING TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE
WATCH STATION PRIOR TO ASSIGNMENT
Watch Standing Principle 4
NOT LEAVE THEIR WATCH STATION UNLESS PROPERLY RELIEVED
OR SO ORDERED BY THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE WATCH STATION.
General Order 1
Take charge of this post and all government property in view.
General Order 7
Talk to no one except in the line of duty.
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.
Watch Standing Principle 2
BE FULLY ATTENTIVE TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE ASSIGNED WATCH STATION.
Watch standing principle 5
KNOW WHOM TO REPORT TO IN THE WATCH ORGANIZATION AND ALL
WATCH STANDERS WHO SHALL REPORT TO THEM.
General order 2
Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes
place within sight or hearing.
General Order 8
Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
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.
watch standing principle 3
FREQUENTLY REVIEW ALL OF THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES OF
THEIR WATCH STATION IN ORDER TO BE READY TO EXECUTE EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES WITHOUT DELAY.
Watch Standing Principle 6
NOT BE ASSIGNED OR ASSUME ANY OTHER DUTIES WHICH MAY
DISTRACT THEM FROM THEIR WATCH FUNCTION
General Order 3
Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce
General Order 9
Call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions
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.
Watch Standing Principle 8
IF AUTHORIZED TO CARRY ARMS, SHALL BE INSTRUCTED ON THE
FOLLOWING ORDERS TO SENTRIES AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A
WEAPON MAY BE FIRED. WATCHES REQUIRING THE CARRYING OF ARMS
WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN THE
FIRING OF THE WEAPON ASSIGNED.
General Order 6
Receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the Commanding Officer,
Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.
General Order 4
Repeat all calls from any post more distant from the guard house than my own.
General Order 10
Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
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.
Watch standing principle 7
SHALL REPORT ALL VIOLATIONS OF THE UNIT'S REGULATIONS,
DIRECTIVES, AND OTHER BREACHES OF GOOD ORDER AND DISCIPLINE;
SHALL TRY TO THE UTMOST TO SUPPRESS SUCH VIOLATIONS; SHALL
REPORT ANY KNOWN OR PROBABLE VIOLATION OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OR
SAFETY REGULATIONS; SHALL TRY TO THE UTMOST TO SUPPRESS SUCH
VIOLATIONS AND OTHER MALPRACTICE WHICH MAY ENDANGER THE SAFETY
OR SECURITY OF A NAVAL UNIT AND ITS PERSONNEL.
General Order 11
Be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, challenge all persons on or near
my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
General Order 5
Quit my post only when properly relieved.
Code of Conduct 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.
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.