What is the first general order of a service member?

The first general order of a service member is to take charge of the post and property in view. This foundational guideline emphasizes the responsibility of a service member to actively oversee and safeguard a designated area and its assets. By understanding this general order, individuals recognize their role in maintaining security and discipline while on duty.

This order sets the tone for a service member's responsibilities, ensuring they are aware of their environment and remain vigilant. It establishes a clear expectation that they are to not only oversee the physical surroundings but also to act as the first line of defense for their assigned post.

The other options, while related to the duties of a service member, do not encapsulate the primary responsibility outlined in the first general order. Observing threats and maintaining silence can be important, but they are secondary to the fundamental duty of taking charge of the post and property.