If captured as a prisoner of war, what primary information should you provide to your captors?

Providing your name, rank, social security number, and date of birth to your captors is the essential information that is required under the Code of Conduct for members of the Armed Forces. This information is foundational because it allows for the identification of your military affiliation without revealing sensitive operational details or compromising mission security.

The rationale for focusing on this specific set of information stems from a balance between complying with the legal expectations during capture and maintaining a level of security for yourself and fellow service members. Sharing personal or excessive information could potentially put you and your unit at greater risk. Thus, adhering strictly to the prescribed information can help maintain operational integrity while still satisfying the captors' inquiries.