Not sure I disagree with the premise. What happened to the standard reply of name, rank and serial number?
We’ll hear more soon enough. Did they threaten to torture the woman or others?
It does need answering.
I'm not sure we will hear. For all we know know, an agreement has been made for their silence or perhaps their relatives were threatened, etc. Still there's 13 of them so you'd think at least one of them would tell the public what happened.
Look at Cicero’s answer. They are following orders.
That said, I do sympathise with the feelings behind Derbyshire’s sentiments. It has surely been infurating to observe this disgraceful Iranian theatre over the last few days.
We do not know how these people were treated, but we do know that the last batch were subjected to “mock executions”.
What now must be done is to make a new set of ROE, that makes a repeat of such a situation impossible.
Since no one took what they said seriously, then what was wrong with what they said?
Article II of the Code of Conduct states: I will NEVER surrender of my own FREE will. If in command I will never surrender my men while they have the MEANS to resist.
Article III states : If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available, and I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
Article V states: When questioned as a POW, I am bound ONLY to give Name, Rank, Service Number and DOB. I will evade answering further questions to the UTMOST of my ability. I will MAKE NO ORAL or WRITTEN statements disloyal too my country and it's allies or harmful to their cause.
There are SIX articles in all and each one was taught, understood and a COPY SIGNED by each recruit when I went to boot camp. I still have my signed copy.
I do NOT believe this CODE OF CONDUCT still exists in today's military. Although I could be mistaken.
remember: talk is cheap....