What is the 1st General Order of a Sentry?

The 1st General Order of a Sentry states that a sentry is responsible for taking charge of the post and all government property in view. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of vigilance and accountability in the role of a sentry. When a sentry takes charge of a post, they are essentially the first line of defense, tasked with ensuring that both the location and any materials in that area are secure. This order establishes a foundational principle of military discipline, as the sentry must be aware of their surroundings, able to identify any potential threats, and manage any situations that arise.

The other choices, while they represent important duties or practices, do not capture the essence of the first general order. For instance, maintaining communication with headquarters can be vital, but it does not define the primary responsibility of a sentry. Similarly, reporting unusual activities to superiors and conducting routine personnel inspections are critical tasks but fall under different responsibilities and orders related to the broader mission of security and oversight. The act of taking charge is the cornerstone of being a sentry and serves as the first step towards effective surveillance and protection of government property.