What does the 5th General Order require a sentry to do?

What does the 5th General Order require a sentry to do?

• A. To give the alarm in case of fire.
• B. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
• C. To salute all colors and standards not cased.
• D. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that a sentry must not abandon his post until someone else has taken over and officially relieved him. The fifth General Order directly states this: you quit your post only when properly relieved. This rule keeps watch uninterrupted and maintains clear accountability—once the relief has arrived, been briefed, and assumes responsibility, the outgoing sentry can depart. If you leave before a proper relief, there’s a gap in surveillance and potential confusion in the chain of command. The other options describe separate duties or courtesies that don’t address when a guard may leave the post, such as emergency actions or ceremonial protocols. So the best answer is the one that enforces continuous coverage through a proper relief process.

The main idea is that a sentry must not abandon his post until someone else has taken over and officially relieved him. The fifth General Order directly states this: you quit your post only when properly relieved. This rule keeps watch uninterrupted and maintains clear accountability—once the relief has arrived, been briefed, and assumes responsibility, the outgoing sentry can depart. If you leave before a proper relief, there’s a gap in surveillance and potential confusion in the chain of command.

The other options describe separate duties or courtesies that don’t address when a guard may leave the post, such as emergency actions or ceremonial protocols. So the best answer is the one that enforces continuous coverage through a proper relief process.