What Is 11 General Orders

Overview

The 11 General Orders are a standardized set of instructions given to military personnel assigned to guard duty in the United States Armed Forces. These orders provide clear, concise guidelines for soldiers, marines, and airmen tasked with protecting military installations, equipment, and personnel. They ensure consistency, accountability, and professionalism regardless of location or branch of service.

Originating during the American Revolutionary War in the 1770s, early versions of the orders were used by sentries posted around military encampments. General George Washington emphasized the importance of vigilant guard duty to prevent surprise attacks and maintain order. Over time, these informal directives evolved into a formalized list, with the current version standardized in the 1920s by the U.S. Army. The Marine Corps adopted a nearly identical version, reinforcing inter-service consistency.

The significance of the 11 General Orders lies in their role in maintaining military discipline and base security. Every service member on guard duty—whether at a base gate, armory, or nuclear facility—must memorize and follow these orders without exception. They form a critical component of military training, instilling a sense of duty, vigilance, and responsibility. Violating any of the orders can lead to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), including non-judicial punishment or court-martial.

How It Works

The 11 General Orders are designed to be simple, direct, and easy to recall under stress. Each order addresses a specific duty or responsibility, ensuring that guards remain focused and effective. They are taught during basic training and must be recited from memory by all recruits.

• Order #1: 'I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.' This ensures the post is never left unattended.
• Order #2: 'I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner.' This reinforces adherence to specific, situational commands.
• Order #3: 'I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.' This promotes accountability and rapid response.
• Order #4: 'I will repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.' This ensures communication across the security perimeter.
• Order #5: 'I will quit my post only when properly relieved.' This prevents gaps in security coverage.
• Order #6: 'I will receive, obey, and pass on orders from the commander of the relief, field officer, and officers and non-commissioned officers of the guard only.' This establishes a clear chain of command.
• Order #7: 'I will talk to no one except in the line of duty.' This maintains focus and prevents distractions.
• Order #8: 'I will give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.' This ensures immediate response to emergencies.
• Order #9: 'I will call the commander of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.' This allows for flexibility in unforeseen situations.
• Order #10: 'I will salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.' This upholds military customs and courtesies.
• Order #11: 'I will 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.' This enhances nighttime security and access control.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison shows that while all branches emphasize the same core principles, the Navy uses a slightly different naming convention but maintains nearly identical content. The U.S. Air Force, established in 1947, adopted the Army’s version almost verbatim. The Marine Corps, with its long history of sentry duty, maintains identical wording, reflecting shared traditions. All services require recruits to recite the orders from memory, often as part of the Recruit Scribe Test or similar evaluations. The consequences for failure are uniformly severe, underscoring the critical nature of guard duty in military operations.

Real-World Examples

One notable example occurred in 1983 during the U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. A Marine guard on duty followed General Order #11 by challenging an approaching vehicle, but was unable to stop the suicide bomber due to the vehicle’s speed. The incident highlighted the importance of vigilance and led to enhanced security protocols worldwide. Similarly, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2009, a soldier failed to challenge an unauthorized individual, violating Order #11, which resulted in a court-martial and dishonorable discharge.

1. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: Guards at the detention facility strictly follow the 11 General Orders to maintain control and prevent escapes.
2. White House Fence, 2014: A U.S. Secret Service officer on perimeter duty followed Order #8 by sounding the alarm when an intruder breached the fence.
3. NORAD, Cheyenne Mountain: Sentries at the underground command center recite the orders daily as part of their shift change.
4. USS Cole Attack, 2000: Though not on U.S. soil, the lack of proper sentry protocols contributed to the vulnerability, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to guard orders.

Why It Matters

The 11 General Orders are more than just rules—they represent the foundation of military readiness and security. Their continued use for over 240 years demonstrates their enduring relevance in protecting national interests and personnel. By standardizing behavior, they reduce ambiguity and ensure that every guard, regardless of rank or location, performs with the same level of professionalism.

• Impact on Discipline: Enforces strict accountability and reduces the risk of negligence.
• Security Standardization: Ensures consistent protocols across all military installations worldwide.
• Training Foundation: Taught in every branch’s basic training, forming a core part of military indoctrination.
• Legal Protection: Provides a clear standard for evaluating conduct under the UCMJ.
• Historical Continuity: Links modern soldiers to the traditions of the Revolutionary War era.

In an age of advanced technology and evolving threats, the 11 General Orders remain a timeless reminder of the importance of vigilance, duty, and honor. They are not outdated relics but living directives that continue to shape the conduct of America’s military forces every single day.