Orders to the Sentry

Cards · 50

US Navy & Marine Corps 1st General Order

To take charge of this post and all government property in view. Requires sentries to assume total responsibility for their assigned post and protect all government resources within their line of sight.

US Navy & Marine Corps 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. Directs sentries to maintain continuous vigilance and military bearing at all times.

US Navy & Marine Corps 3rd General Order

To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce. Mandates reporting every infraction, rule violation, or unauthorized activity witnessed on watch.

US Navy & Marine Corps 4th General Order

To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own. Ensures critical alarms, alerts, and messages are relayed across distances to reaching the guardhouse promptly.

US Navy & Marine Corps 5th General Order

To quit my post only when properly relieved. Forbids abandoning a post until an authorized, competent replacement arrives and watch turnover is complete.

US Navy & Marine Corps 6th General Order

To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only. Governs the chain of authority on watch.

US Navy & Marine Corps 7th General Order

To talk to no one except in the line of duty. Prevents distractions by prohibiting casual conversations while standing watch.

US Navy & Marine Corps 8th General Order

To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder. Instructs the sentry to immediately notify others and sound warnings during emergencies or disturbances.

US Navy & Marine Corps 9th General Order

To call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions. Instructs sentries to consult watch leadership whenever an unforeseen situation arises.

US Navy & Marine Corps 10th General Order

To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased. Outlines required military courtesy and rendering of honors toward commissioned officers and national flags.

US Navy & Marine Corps 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. Regulates identity verification in low visibility or threat periods.

US Army 1st General Order

I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved. Directs the soldier to maintain custody of their assigned area and never leave without authorization.

US Army 2nd General Order

I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner. Obligates the sentry to follow post-specific instructions and maintain strict discipline and professional conduct.

US Army 3rd General Order

I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief. Ensures accountability by reporting discrepancies and crises through the guard chain.

US Air Force General Order 1

I will take charge of my post and protect personnel and property for which I am responsible until properly relieved. Establishes the security forces member's baseline responsibility for post security and custody.

US Air Force General Order 2

I will report all violations of orders I am entrusted to enforce and will call my superior in any case not covered by instructions. Mandates reporting violations and seeking guidance during unscripted incidents.

US Air Force General Order 3

I will sound the alarm in case of disorder or fire. Directs security personnel to rapidly alert the base populace and dispatch during incidents.

General Orders definition

Permanent, standardized standing orders that apply to all military sentries and watchstanders across a service branch.

Special Orders definition

Specific, tailored instructions issued by local command detailing rules, boundaries, and procedures unique to a particular post.

Relief definition

The formal turnover process where an outgoing sentry transfers accountability and status of the post to an authorized incoming sentry.

Challenge definition

The formal command or signal demanding that an approaching person halt and identify themselves.

Countersign definition

A secret word or signal consisting of a challenge and reply, used by sentries to confirm friendly identity during darkness or tactical alerts.

Post definition

The defined geographical boundary, stationary location, or route of patrol where a sentry performs duty.

Guardhouse / Security Operations Center

The headquarters and administrative hub for the guard force where commanders and relief personnel coordinate and dispatch.

Commander of the Relief

The non-commissioned officer responsible for managing watch rotations, conducting inspections, and supervising sentries.

Deadly Force definition

Effort applied by a sentry that is intended, or likely, to cause death or grievous bodily harm, used only under strict legal criteria.

Rules of Engagement (ROE)

Directives issued by military authority defining the circumstances and limitations under which forces will initiate or continue combat.

Use of Force Continuum

A standard escalated progression from physical presence to verbal commands, compliance techniques, and finally lethal force.

Sentry military bearing

Maintaining professional posture, alertness, uniform appearance, and discipline without lounging, smoking, or using personal devices.

Sentry logbook requirement

An official, chronological record kept by watchstanders documenting all arrivals, departures, inspections, and notable events.

Procedure for challenging a pedestrian

Order 'Halt! Who goes there?', keep weapon at the ready, demand identification, and direct the individual to advance one at a time.

Procedure for challenging a vehicle

Halt the vehicle at a safe distance, direct the driver to turn off engine and interior lights, and verify credentials of occupants.

Officer of the Deck (OOD)

The officer designated by the commanding officer to be in charge of the ship and supervise all watchstanders and post security.

Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW)

The primary enlisted assistant to the OOD on a naval vessel who manages the quarterdeck, log, and deck sentries.

Roving Patrol

A mobile sentry assigned to patrol an extended perimeter, fence line, or flight line to detect breaches.

Fixed Post

A stationary sentry position established at an access control point, gate, or critical entry portal.

Unauthorized absence from post

A serious punitive offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ Art. 113) for sleeping or departing post without relief.

Duress code / signal

A covert word, phrase, or gesture used by a sentry to discreetly notify the security operations center that they are under threat.

Access Control Point (ACP)

A designated perimeter entry point where sentries inspect credentials, screen vehicles, and verify entry authorization.

Warning shot policy

Generally prohibited in domestic installations and sentry duty due to the risk of collateral damage and ricochets.

Pass and ID verification

The sentry duty of comparing physical IDs against tamper features, facial recognition, and authorized access rosters.

Search and inspection of vehicles

Systematic check of undercarriages, compartments, and cargo bed using mirrors and tools prior to granting post entry.

Sentry weapon safety condition

The designated state of readiness for a sentry's firearm, prescribing whether a magazine is seated and a round is chambered.

Watch turnover inspection

A structured exchange where outgoing and incoming sentries inspect communications gear, ammunition counts, and log logs.

Saluting vehicles

Sentries render a hand salute to recognized vehicles displaying staff officer flags, stars, or official command plates.

Escort duty of unauthorized visitors

Guiding and supervising unbadged or unverified personnel through secure zones to prevent access to classified spaces.

Color honors at colors (0800 and sunset)

Sentries face the national ensign, come to attention, and render a hand salute or present arms until the music concludes.

Restricted Area sentry duty

High-security watch guarding zones containing nuclear assets, cryptography, command spaces, or high-value weaponry.

Clearing barrel procedure

A designated station and bullet trap where sentries systematically load or unload sidearms under safety supervision.

Radio protocol for sentries

Using standardized brevity codes, prowords, and call signs to communicate watch status without compromising tactical security.