All Rolled into One!
These are the oaths our military take when they place their “John Hancock” on the dotted line.
The Oath of Enlistment for the Armed Forces (except the Army and Air National Guard):
“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
The Oath of Enlistment for Air and Army National Guard:
“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.”
They have pledged on their word of honor that they will defend our Constitution, and the oath does not end when their DoD contract is up. As a Marine said to me when I congratulated him on receiving his DD-214 and not having to worry any longer about being called back, he said, “Yeah, thanks, as long as there’s not a WW III.”
On October 21, 2011, President Obama stated that all of the troops will be home from Iraq by the end of the year.
I hope they don’t have to go back.
We owe our military a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Thank you for serving.
As always, it was an honor to serve our combat wounded, their families, and the staff that cares for them on 4 East at WR/Bethesda just a few days after the 236th Birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day! Continue reading November 13, 2011 – 4th Floor Marine Corps 236th Birthday, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving