The Code of an Officer

Regimental Grade Officers
Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major

    I am an officer of the Army of the United States and I am proud of this fact. I recognize the rich heritage behind the corps of officers, of which I am part, that has been built up by those who have marched before me at Saratoga, at Chapaltpec, at Gettysburg, at the Meuse-Argonne, at St. Lo and on the Naktong.
    This rich heritage has been built on a code – the code of an officer. This code is simple and easy to remember... Duty... Honor... Country. But it is not so simple to execute and requires a lifetime devoted to work, self discipline, and courage.

DUTY

    The word duty means to me that… When I am assigned a mission, I accomplish it thoroughly, efficiently, and quickly. I accept all of my responsibilities even when not assigned them. Within my field, I hold myself responsible to be aware of everything that occurs and to take positive action to correct what is wrong or improve that which is merely possible. I do my job regardless of danger to me personally.

HONOR

    Honor to me means that… As an officer of the Army of the United States my personal integrity is irreproachable. I will never degrade myself by lying, cheating or stealing. I hold myself personally and unequivocally responsible to ensure the preservation of the honor of the officer corps of the United States Army.

COUNTRY

    Country means to me that… In addition to being an officer of the Army, I am an American citizen. I am an official representative of my country and will so comport myself. I will endure any hardship, any sacrifice, for the welfare of these my United States.
    This is the code I will live by… Duty… Honor… Country… all of these I put above myself whatever the cost.

Company Grade Officers
Captain First Lieutenant Second Lieutenant

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