General Orders in the United States Military

The general orders of a sentry are important rules that guide those on guard duty in the United States Armed Forces. Commonly known as the "11 General Orders," these directives contain every possible scenario a sentry might encounter on duty and how to ensure their safety and that of others. All recruits must learn these orders to perform their sentry duties without issues.

In this article, we discuss the general orders for different military branches and the importance of learning the rules.

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What are general orders?

General orders are the set of rules guiding sentry duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and provide guards—including sentries and officers—a set of specific rules and guidelines. They describe the proper conduct of a sentry while on duty in every possible operational scenario. General orders are essential guard duties for all branches of the military but differ from special orders that superiors may issue for specific guard duties.

Recruits are expected to memorize the general orders during basic training or “boot camp.” Drill instructors and commanding officers expect recruits to be able to recite any part of the general orders verbatim and on command. This demonstrates their ability to take proper action in a fast-changing martial environment.

While the general orders apply to all the armed forces of the U.S. military, only the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps use the 11 general order version. The U.S. Army and Air Force use three general orders, although these are a condensed form of the rules found in other services.

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Why is it important to learn general orders?

General orders are important for several reasons, including that they:

• Traini you to be alert always, including during adverse events and emergencies

• Teach you to follow orders. You must report any violations or incidents that happen during your sentry duty.

• Prevent accidents and safeguard lives and property

• Maintain order and organization among all recruits

• Guide a person's military service

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General orders for different military branches

U.S. Navy and Coast Guard General Orders of the Sentry

General sentry orders for the Navy and Coast Guard instruct sailors:

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own5. To quit my post only when properly relieved

5. To 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

6. To talk to no one except in the line of duty

7. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder

8. To call the officer of the deck in any case not covered by instructions

9. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased

10. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

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U.S. Army and Air Force General Orders of the Sentry

In the past, the U.S. Army and Air Force used the same general orders as the U.S. Navy and Marines. Both now use a condensed version with only three basic instructions. They include:

1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.

2. I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.

3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.

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Marine Corps General Orders of the Sentry

General orders for the Marine Corps include:

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved

6. To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, officers and non-commissioned officers of the guard only

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder

9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions

10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased

11. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

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