The Eleven General Orders
The General Orders of a Sentry define exactly what you must do while on post. Every Marine memorizes all eleven. Recruits are expected to recite them from memory on demand.
What is your 1st General Order?
To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
What is your 2nd General Order?
To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
What is your 3rd General Order?
To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
What is your 4th General Order?
To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
What is your 5th General Order?
To quit my post only when properly relieved.
What is your 6th General Order?
To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Commanding Duty Officer, Officer of the Day, and all officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.
What is your 7th General Order?
To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
What is your 8th General Order?
To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
What is your 9th General Order?
To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.
What is your 10th General Order?
To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
What is your 11th General Order?
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.
Why are the 11 General Orders important for a sentry?
They define the sentry's responsibilities while standing a post and are memorized by every Marine so that any Marine can stand guard duty and know exactly what is expected of them.