11 General Orders

There are 11 general orders that apply to interior guard duty that each and every Marine is required to know and memorize. These general orders become a part of every Marine during basic training where they are repeated over and over until memorized. If you are a future Marine, it’s a good idea to go ahead and memorize these general orders as it will only make things easier for you.

General Order 1: To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

General Order 2: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

General Order 3: To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

General Order 4: To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

General Order 5: To quit my post only when properly relieved.

General Order 6: To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.

General Order 7: To talk to no one except in line of duty.

General Order 8: To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

General Order 9: To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.

General Order 10: To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

General Order 11: 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.