Imperial Code of Conduct

1. Officer Mandate:
Officers are expected to act as representatives of the Galactic Empire at all times.

2. Weapon Protocol:
All Imperial weaponry are to be used at maximum stun setting at all times, unless specifically ordered to 'terminate' enemy contact. This code is in accordance to the Officer Mandate necessary to convey a sense of trust upon our status as superiors in the known and unknown regions of space.

3. Obedience Factor:
Officers are required to follow orders of all rightful superiors, even in the case of in-discernment regarding a particular duty. Disobedience to do so can result in the termination of service by the CO in command.

4. Intelligence Report:
Officers are required to forfeit all knowledge gained on mission if asked to relate the details by their lawful superiors.

BACKGROUND
Codes and Articles of Conduct in the presence of an enemy have been a part of military services throughout history. From the Code of Chivalry practiced by the knights of old, to the most modern of troops, those who placed their lives in the service of their countries and governments have been guided by principles which enabled them to face enemies and dangers with honor and confidence. Whether written or unwritten, members of armed forces or those serving in the service of their governments are expected and required to conduct themselves appropriately when dealing with aliens and enemies of the Imperial.

REQUIREMENTS
Throughout our galaxy there are many life forms possessing sufficient intelligence to present a threat or challenge to Imperial colonies, exploration, or commerce. Many of these life forms have been identified and cataloged as to their intellectual capacity, social order, and behavior. Interactions between members of the Empire and aliens or enemies are difficult to predict and therefore the following Articles of Conduct are provided to guide Imperial members. Those serving in the Military are required to conform to the Articles of Conduct that define the actions of service members when the Empire is engaged in an armed conflict.

Article 1:
I am a member of the military forces of the Galactic Empire. I serve in the forces which defend the Empire and all its constituent races. I am prepared to sacrifice my life for the sake of the Empire and for the sake of the mission assigned to my unit. I will faithfully execute the missions assigned to the Military by the Emperor, as well as those assigned to me by any senior officers.

Article 2:
I am devoted to building and maintaining the strength of the Military. I actively recruit other members. I am responsible for myself as well as my unit/ branch mates and all Soldiers both in battle and in peacetime. Every Soldier is my brother or my sister, we are united with a common purpose.

Article 3:
I will never willingly surrender to an enemy so long as I or those in my charge have the ability to resist. Only when all possible means to resist have failed and I and those in my charge are totally exhausted will I consider surrender. If I am taken prisoner by an enemy, I will continue to conduct myself as a member of the armed forces of the Empire, of which I remain an active member. I will resist the enemy and make every effort to escape the enemy and return to my unit. Although the enemy may offer me favorable treatment or even freedom, I will remember to whom I have pledged my allegiance and accept no special treatment.

Article 4:
If I am captured by an enemy, I will remain loyal to the Empire and to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. Under no circumstances will I commit any act or give any information which might bring harm to other Soldiers or agents of the Empire who might also be prisoners of war.

Article 5:
When interrogated by an enemy captor, I will give only my name, my rank, and my ID Number. Continuous efforts by the enemy to question me will be met by maximum resistance on my part. Under no circumstances will I make any statement, oral or written, which is disloyal or harmful to the Empire. I will continue to faithfully execute the orders of those who are senior in command to myself, or, take over command if I am the most senior of those captured.

Article 6:
I will always remember that I am a Soldier in the armed forces of the Empire and that I and I alone am responsible for my actions. I will remember that loyalty to the Galactic Empire and its principles comprise the honor that sustains me. I will prove my loyalty through my brotherhood to my comrades, my fellow Soldiers.

Mission Statement. One of the key ways in which Imperial officers differ from their rebel counterparts lies in how they approach their various assignments. Within a given unit, each member of the Imperial Armed Forces is indoctrinated with one overriding principal. This principal is generally referred to as that unit's "mission statement." While the exact wording can vary, the gist is always the same: the successful completion of one's mission takes priority over all other considerations. In contrast, a similar doctrinal statement issued to rebel troops might suggest the completion of an assignment is of vital importance, so long as severe casualties are not necessary to carry it out. Where members of the Alliance military may be concerned about high casualty rates, Imperial combat units often accept extremely high losses, so long as their objectives are reached.

Lead By Example. Imperial officers are expected to lead by example. This often results in capable officers being lost in the opening moments of a battle. An officer failing to lead an attack in person risks charges of cowardice or incompetence. Such acts of personal bravery, however well intended, have both long and short term negative consequences. In the short run, an Imperial attack that might otherwise succeed can often fail due to lack of coordination from capable officers. As a unit's chain of command is decimated, unqualified officers (even enlisted personnel) often find themselves in positions of authority. In the long term, such losses can result in a lack of trained officers at higher command postings. Their ranks are often filled by officers who have proven themselves "politically," rather than militarily, fit to command.

Repetition Is Politically Sound. One unfortunate side effect of the code is that bad strategy and tactics are often repeated. Imperial armed forces are nothing if not results-oriented. Regrettably, this often means so long as the desired results are achieved the methods by which they are accomplished are not questioned. Patrols are often carried out in the same format, the same predictable regularity. Security measures are typically left unchecked if no immediate threat is apparent. "Seek and attack" operations in a given area are often repeated in the same manner (long after the enemy has left the area) if once proved marginally successful.

The Last Order Given Always Has Precedence. It often happens in the course of battle that a unit can be cut off from its command personnel and left to fend for itself. In such situations, a unit cut off from its command is expected to use whatever means are at its disposal to carry out the last order it received. Any deviation from this established norm is tantamount to treason under fire.

Success Is Never Questioned. It is an unspoken truth in many situations involving Imperial armed forces that the ends do justify the means -- Imperial officers will often go to great lengths and extremes to complete their missions. If they succeed in their task, no sacrifice was too great. No tactic, however morally unacceptable, is ever questioned... as long as it worked.

There Is Always Somebody Ready To Take Your Place. One of the basic truths about life in the Empire is that people unable or unwilling to carry out assigned tasks are promptly replaced. Sometimes this means the person is retired prematurely, and often in a sudden and fatal manner.

Take Care Of Your Own First. Whether in a military or civilian setting, inter-service (or inter-agency) rivalry is commonplace. Competition for equipment, funds and replacement personnel is the order of the day. In such situations, members of a given organization are expected to look after their group's own interests first.

Job Performance
Job performance standards include what you do, how much you do, and how well you accomplish your assigned duties. Your primary responsibility is to do your part to accomplish the mission. But accomplishing the mission requires more than just technical proficiency. You must be a good team member. You must be responsive and do what you are told quickly and efficiently. You must be dependable and responsible for your actions so supervisors do not have to continuously monitor or follow up on your activities. Quality and quantity of work are both important since they are primary measures of your efficiency and productivity. Your conduct and performance on the job must be guided by a sense of loyalty to both supervisors and coworkers, consistent with the safe and proper fulfillment of regulations, directives, technical orders and other lawful orders.