The Code of an Officer
| Regimental Grade Officers | ||
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| 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 | ||
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| Captain | First Lieutenant | Second Lieutenant |