Monday, April 09, 2007

Canadian conduct

While Canadians mourn the loss of six soldiers in Afghanistan, Captain John Heinricks (about to retire - so I'd like to express my admiration for his service and wish him well for whatever comes next) mails me the Canadian Code of Conduct after Capture:

401. THE CODE OF CONDUCT AFTER CAPTURE (CCAC).
1. The CCAC consists of a short preamble followed by a simple, prescriptive set of five rules designed for war but can be applicable to many situations.
2. The Preamble to the CCAC:
a. The aim of the CCAC is for you to survive with honour.
b. Do not surrender to the enemy while you still have the means to achieve your mission.
c. If captured, remember you are still a member of the CF and remain subject to its rules and obligations.
3. The CCAC, if captured, remember your PRIDE.
[...]
403. RESIST EXPLOITATION BY ALL MEANS AVAILABLE.
1. Resistance will enhance your chance of survival and that of the group. Avoid exploitation by resisting interrogation, protecting vital information, discrediting your captor’s propaganda and planning to escape. Allowing yourself to be exploited could bring dishonour to yourself, others or Canada.
2. Explanation. CF members shall resist exploitation by all means available. Captors have used a variety of tactics to exploit PWs for propaganda purposes or to obtain military information. Contrary to the Geneva Conventions, PWs have been subject to mental harassment, general mistreatment, torture, medical neglect and political indoctrination.
3. Members shall not accept special favours or privileges not given to other PWs in return for statements or information desired by the enemy or for a pledge by the PW not to attempt escape. Moreover, the member shall not seek special privileges or accept special favours at the expense of fellow PWs.
4. Examples of statements or actions PWs should resist include the following:
a. giving oral or written confessions;
b. answering questionnaires;
c. providing personal history statements;
d. making propaganda recordings and broadcast appeals to other PWs to comply with improper captor demands;
e. appealing for Canada or our allies to surrender;
f. engaging in self-criticisms; or
g. providing oral or written statements or communications on behalf of the enemy or that are harmful to Canada, our allies or other PWs.

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