Being a Prisoner of War

This article was requested by 10 people who wished a better understanding on what it means to be a Prisoner of War.  I don't know that I can effectively help them work through their difficulty f the insight that their love ones have or are going through.

I have drawn mostly on my military background and have talked to some Prisoner of War whose graphic prison days is not what I wish to explore here.

Being a Prisoner of War is not a picnic and should not be viewed as such, by anyone.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

"No American prisoner of war will be forgotten by the United States.  Every available means will be employed by our government to establish contact with, to support and to obtain the release of all our government to establish contact with, to support and to obtain the release of all of our prisoners of war.  Furthermore the laws of the United States provide for the support and care of dependents of the Armed Forces including those who become prisoners of war.  I assure dependents of such prisoners that these laws will continue to provide for their welfare."

ARTICLES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

ARTICLE I

I am an American fighting person.  I serve in the forces which GUARD MY COUNTRY and our way of life.  I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

ARTICLE II

I will NEVER SURRENDER of my own free will, if in command I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.

ARTICLE III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available.  I will make every effort to escape and aid others.  I will accept neither parole or special favors from the enemy.

ARTICLE IV

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 a senior, I will command, if not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

ARTICLE V

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 statement disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

ARTICLE VI

I will never forget that I am an American fighting person, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles that made my country free.  I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

THE GENEVA CONVENTION

RELATIVE to the Treatment of Prisoners of War

(Article 7)

August 12, 1949

This is an agreement between nations; a prisoner of war cannot renounce their rights and or the duties assigned to them.This equals all prisoners of war regardless of race, nationality, political or religious belief.  Senior ranking prisoner's have a legal basis under international law.  Even a lone prisoner of war can demand humanitarian treatment & necessities for a decent and honorable survival. 

The captor is obligated under this convention to give the prisoner of war a copy in their own language. 

GENERAL ITEMS

ESCAPE:  It takes a clear head to do this and is best done at the early stages of capture.  You do not want to wait till they get you where the prison or spot is where they will keep you.  Then, in most cases, it is to late.  Look for the lax moment when they are not watching you as they have bigger problems on their mind and are confident that you wouldn't try anything.

THE PRISON CAMP  - Over long periods, even without torture a prisoner can be disorientated and befuddled.  You can't will it not to happen, it just does.  Fatigue from lack of sleep or the journey, pain, any drugs that you have been given will cause mental clouding, confusion, lack of judgment, vitamin deficiency & malnutrition and other symptoms spell disaster. 

Mental functions are lost first, than a lack of concern for personal behavior, speech and dress disappear.  You become highly emotional, everything is a conformation to you.  You are irrational. 

PREVENTION - The Prisoner of War can prevent the mind disappearing by playing mental games, working problems in the mind, writing a book (if permitted).  Don't let the mind stagnate.

This will make the difference in your leaving - in a body bag or walking out under your own power.  Prisoners are honored not disrepected by those that wait at home.  Especially when they have done all they can to resist.  There is no disrespect if you do not escape.