What is a soldier's responsibility regarding surrender according to Article II of the Code of Conduct?

A soldier’s responsibility regarding surrender, as articulated in Article II of the Code of Conduct, emphasizes the principle of never surrendering of their own free will. This article reflects the commitment to resist capture and to maintain one’s duty to their mission, unit, and country. The emphasis on refusing to surrender voluntarily reinforces the values of courage and determination that are fundamental to military service.

The idea is that surrendering of one's own free will would not only compromise the individual soldier’s integrity but could also jeopardize the safety and operational effectiveness of their comrades. The Code of Conduct is designed to instill a strong sense of loyalty and a refusal to yield to enemy pressures without a legitimate reason. This aligns with the military ethos, which values resilience in the face of adversity and encourages soldiers to exhaust all options before considering surrender.