English

DTIC ADA180569: The Prisoners of War Experiences and Survival

The experience of Vietnam era prisoners of war provides valuable lessons for future POWs. These lessons offer ways and means to resist exploitation and torture. Examples are numerous, and suggest ways to resist and cope with torture, near starvation, and exploitation. Religious beliefs, moral values, and faith in one's fellow prisoners and country are key elements that influence POW survival. Strong bodies and active, creative minds enabled POWs to overcome primitive living conditions and barbaric treatment. The Code of Conduct provided POWs available guide for their behavior; as POW's they knew what behavior was expected. A strong POW chain of command influenced compliance and understanding of articles of the Code of Conduct and tailored requirements to fit the situation. A strong chain of command can reduce enemy violations of international laws. Communications are pivotal to POW accountability. The ability of future POWs to survive captivity can be enhanced with knowledge and understanding of ordeals encountered by American POWs in Vietnam.

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