What Are The 11 General Orders

Introduction

The 11 General Orders are the cornerstone of discipline, safety, and professionalism for enlisted personnel in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. Understanding each order not only helps service members pass examinations and perform their jobs flawlessly, but it also builds a shared culture of vigilance that protects lives, equipment, and the mission. First issued in the early 19th century, these concise commands encapsulate the responsibilities every sailor must uphold while on watch, in the ship’s compartments, or during any duty station. This article breaks down each of the 11 General Orders, explains their practical applications, and offers tips for memorization and real‑world execution That's the whole idea..

The Historical Context of the General Orders

• Origin: The original set of General Orders was adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1865, shortly after the Civil War, to standardize watch‑standing procedures across a rapidly expanding fleet.
• Evolution: Over the decades the wording has been refined, but the core intent remains unchanged: to provide a clear, universal checklist for sailors on duty.
• Scope: While the orders are most often associated with watchstanding (the act of keeping a ship’s watch), they apply to any situation where a sailor is entrusted with a duty that impacts safety, security, or operational readiness.

The 11 General Orders – Detailed Breakdown

1. “The First General Order – To take charge of this watch when relieved.”

• What it means: As soon as you assume a watch, you must be fully aware of the ship’s current condition, any pending alarms, and the status of all equipment under your control.
• Practical steps:
  1. Review the logbook or watch bill for recent entries.
  2. Conduct a quick visual sweep of your station.
  3. Confirm that all alarms are silent and that any ongoing operations are documented.
• Why it matters: A smooth hand‑over eliminates gaps in situational awareness that could lead to accidents or mission failure.

2. “The Second General Order – To walk the deck and inspect it for any fire, collision, or damage.”

• What it means: Continuous visual inspection of the ship’s exterior and interior spaces is mandatory.
• Key inspection points:
  • Fire hazards: exposed flammable material, open flames, or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Collision risks: unsecured lines, loose equipment, or obstructions on the deck.
  • Structural damage: dents, cracks, or water ingress.
• Real‑world example: During a night watch, a sailor notices a small oil slick near the galley vent. Prompt reporting prevents a potential fire.

3. “The Third General Order – To make sure all alarms are sounded and appropriate action taken.”

• What it means: When an alarm sounds—whether fire, collision, man overboard, or engineering failure—the sailor must respond immediately, following established emergency procedures.
• Action checklist:
  1. Identify the alarm source (visual indicator, sound pattern).
  2. Announce the alarm on the intercom and call for assistance if needed.
  3. Execute the specific emergency drill (e.g., MOB: throw a life preserver, sound “Man Overboard!”).
• Importance: Rapid, correct response can be the difference between a contained incident and a catastrophic loss.

4. “The Fourth General Order – To report all abnormalities to the officer of the deck (OOD) or the appropriate authority.”

• What it means: Any deviation from normal—unusual noises, equipment malfunctions, or suspicious activity—must be communicated without delay.
• Reporting protocol:
  • Use concise, factual language (e.g., “Engine RPM dropped 200 rpm on channel 2, no alarm indicated”).
  • Include time, location, and immediate actions taken.
• Benefit: Early reporting enables the chain of command to assess risk and allocate resources before a minor issue escalates.

5. “The Fifth General Order – To give a correct report of all conditions and occurrences to the officer of the deck or senior officer present.”

• What it means: When handing over a watch or after an incident, the sailor must provide a complete and accurate verbal report.
• Report structure (SBAR):
  • Situation – what happened.
  • Background – relevant context.
  • Assessment – current status.
  • Recommendation – suggested next steps.
• Example: “Sir, at 0215 hours the forward radar displayed a contact at 2 nm, bearing 045°, speed 12 kt. I have plotted the track and notified the bridge.”

6. “The Sixth General Order – To be prepared for any emergency that may arise.”

• What it means: Constant readiness involves knowledge of emergency equipment, drills, and personal responsibilities.
• Readiness actions:
  • Keep fire extinguishers, lifesaving gear, and first‑aid kits within reach.
  • Review emergency procedures weekly.
  • Maintain personal fitness and mental alertness.
• Why it counts: An unprepared sailor can become a liability in a crisis; preparedness turns every crew member into a force multiplier.

7. “The Seventh General Order – To keep the ship clean and orderly.”

• What it means: A tidy ship reduces fire risk, improves morale, and ensures equipment functions as intended.
• Daily habits:
  • Stow tools after use.
  • Dispose of waste in designated containers.
  • Perform spot checks of work areas.
• Long‑term impact: Ships that maintain high cleanliness standards experience fewer accidents and lower maintenance costs.

8. “The Eighth General Order – To report any suspicious persons or activities to the appropriate authority.”

• What it means: Security vigilance is a shared duty. Any individual acting oddly—loitering near restricted areas, attempting to access classified material—must be reported.
• Reporting steps:
  1. Observe and note description, location, and behavior.
  2. Notify the watchstanding officer or law‑enforcement liaison.
  3. Do not confront the individual unless instructed.
• Security relevance: Early detection of potential threats protects the ship, crew, and mission.

9. “The Ninth General Order – To render assistance to any person in distress.”

• What it means: Whether a shipmate falls ill, a civilian is in the water, or a fellow vessel signals distress, the sailor must act promptly.
• Assistance protocol:
  • Assess the situation (danger to self, need for equipment).
  • Notify the bridge or medical department.
  • Execute the appropriate rescue or medical procedure.
• Humanitarian aspect: This order reflects the Navy’s commitment to saving lives, even beyond its own personnel.

10. “The Tenth General Order – To obey all lawful orders and regulations of the commanding officer.”

• What it means: The chain of command is the backbone of military effectiveness. Compliance with lawful directives—whether routine or extraordinary—is non‑negotiable.
• Key points:
  • Verify the order’s legality if unsure; seek clarification from a superior.
  • Execute with promptness and professionalism.
  • Document any concerns through proper channels.
• Outcome: Cohesive execution of orders ensures mission success and maintains discipline.

11. “The Eleventh General Order – To report any violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or Navy regulations.”

• What it means: Upholding the law within the service is a collective responsibility. Any misconduct—fraud, assault, drug use—must be reported.
• Reporting mechanisms:
  • Use non‑judgmental channels such as the Inspector General (IG) or Equal Opportunity (EO) office.
  • Provide facts, not speculation.
  • Protect the identity of whistle‑blowers when required.
• Impact: Prompt reporting preserves good order, discipline, and the integrity of the naval service.

How to Memorize the 11 General Orders

1. Chunking – Group the orders into logical clusters:
   • Watch‑taking (1‑5)
   • Readiness & Safety (6‑9)
   • Legal & Command (10‑11)
2. Acronym technique – Create a memorable phrase using the first letter of each order’s core verb (Take, Walk, Make, Report, Give, Be, Keep, Report, Render, Obey, Report). Example: “TWMG BKROR”—repeat it aloud while visualizing each duty.
3. Scenario rehearsal – Role‑play a night watch, walking through each order as events unfold. This contextual practice cements the sequence in long‑term memory.
4. Flashcards – Write the order on one side, a real‑world example on the other. Review daily until recall is automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are the General Orders the same for the Navy and Coast Guard?

A: Yes, both services use the identical 11 General Orders for enlisted personnel. That said, the Coast Guard may supplement them with service‑specific directives related to maritime law enforcement.

Q2: Do officers have to follow the General Orders?

A: While officers are not required to memorize the exact wording, they are expected to model the behavior described and ensure their subordinates adhere to the orders The details matter here..

Q3: What happens if a sailor fails to follow an order?

A: Failure can result in non‑judicial punishment (NJP), loss of watchstanding privileges, or more severe disciplinary action under the UCMJ, depending on the severity and consequences No workaround needed..

Q4: Can the General Orders be updated?

A: Yes. The Navy periodically reviews them to reflect new technology, emerging threats, or changes in operational doctrine. Any revision is disseminated through official publications and training courses.

Q5: How do the General Orders relate to modern automation (e.g., integrated bridge systems)?

A: Automation assists but does not replace human vigilance. The orders stress situational awareness and decision‑making, which remain essential even when sensors and software provide data.

Conclusion

The 11 General Orders are far more than a list of memorized phrases; they are a living framework that guides every sailor’s actions, from the moment a watch is taken to the final report filed at the end of a shift. Day to day, by internalizing these orders, service members safeguard their ship, protect their comrades, and uphold the professionalism that defines the United States Navy and Coast Guard. Regular review, practical drills, and a commitment to the underlying principles of safety, security, and obedience make sure the General Orders continue to serve as a reliable compass for every watchstanding sailor, today and for generations to come Worth keeping that in mind..