What is the primary responsibility of a sentry according to the orders?

The primary responsibility of a sentry is to take charge of their post and all government property in view. This means that the sentry is accountable for the security and integrity of the area they are assigned to, ensuring that nothing is compromised or taken without authorization. This role is fundamental to maintaining order, discipline, and safety in a military environment. The sentry must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, actively observing for any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious behavior. By prioritizing their assigned area and the property within it, the sentry plays a crucial part in the overall security apparatus, thereby supporting their unit and the mission as a whole.

Other roles, such as receiving and passing on orders or reporting suspicious activities, while important, are secondary to the overarching duty of securing the defined area. Walking their post in a military manner also contributes to the professionalism and discipline expected of a sentry, but it does not encompass the primary responsibility of actively managing and safeguarding the post and its contents.