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The first duty of a prisoner of war, according to the code of conduct, is to surrender unconditionally. This principle is grounded in the understanding that once a service member is captured, they must follow guidelines that ensure their safety and the protection of classified information.

Surrendering unconditionally serves multiple purposes: it eliminates the immediate risk of harm to oneself and one's fellow service members during combat, and it acknowledges the rules of war, which dictate how captured combatants should be treated. The responsibility of a prisoner of war includes maintaining their own safety and acting in a manner that is consistent with the legal and ethical standards of warfare.

While cooperation can sometimes be a relevant factor, the obligation to surrender unconditionally takes precedence. Evading questions or attempting to escape can be considered during specific circumstances but are not prioritized at the moment of capture. Ensuring respect for the law of armed conflict is essential, and unconditional surrender is a key tenet in acknowledging that law.