The 11 General Orders of a Sentry are the rules to follow when serving as a guard or on watch (sentry). Every branch of the military has these rules, but they are particularly detailed and stressed in the navy, Marines and Coast Guard. You as a recruit will be expected to memorize the General Orders. Your drill instructor will most likely call on you to recite a random order…so be able to respond word for word. Learn the USMC general orders before you ship out to boot camp.
Marine Corps General Orders
1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls [from posts]more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the guard only.
7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
11. 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