Which information am I required to provide if I become a prisoner of war?

The requirement to provide only your name, rank, service number, and date of birth if you become a prisoner of war is grounded in the guidelines set forth by the Geneva Conventions. These conventions dictate the basic rights of prisoners of war and outline what information they are obligated to disclose upon capture.

Providing this specific information safeguards the welfare of the prisoner and ensures their identification within military records, as well as ensuring compliance with international law. This information is essential for military and humanitarian organizations to verify identities and maintain a record of captured personnel.

The other options contain information that may be pertinent in different contexts but are not required under the Geneva Conventions for prisoners of war. Home addresses, emergency contacts, social security numbers, enlistment dates, medical histories, and next of kin details are not necessary for identification or treatment as a prisoner and could potentially compromise security or privacy.