What must a Marine remember regarding treatment of captured combatants and non-combatants?

Marines must remember that captured combatants and non-combatants must be treated humanely, as stipulated by international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions. This principle emphasizes the obligation to treat all individuals who are not engaged in combat—such as prisoners of war or civilians—with respect and dignity, regardless of their status or actions.

Humanitarian treatment includes providing adequate food, shelter, medical care, and protection from violence or intimidation. This ensures that ethical standards are upheld, fosters goodwill, and helps maintain a proper conduct of war, which reflects on the moral and professional standards of the United States Marine Corps. This commitment to humane treatment is critical not only for compliance with legal obligations but also for maintaining the moral high ground during conflict.