The Oath of Enlistment is a time-honored tradition required of all enlisted servicemembers. Federal law requires servicemembers to take this oath upon their initial enlistment and all subsequent reenlistments. Unlike the Oath of Office, enlisted members do not take the Oath of Enlistment each time they earn a promotion.
As a commissioned officer in the US Air Force, you have the privilege of being authorized to perform this ceremony for any enlisted member, regardless of their branch of service. In many ways, it is an honor to be asked to perform the oath of enlistment for troops under your charge.
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Purpose of the Oath of Enlistment
Like the Oath of Office, the Oath of Enlistment is required by federal law. But it also serves as a verbal promise that reminds us of our commitment to our country, our service, and our brothers in arms. The Oath of Enlistment is steeped in tradition and is a reflection of our Air Force Core Values, our Airman’s Creed, and our Profession of Arms.
Setting Up for the Oath of Enlistment
The Oath of Enlistment is usually performed in front of an American flag, and can also be done in the presence of the state flag, service flag, or the unit flag, pennant, or guidon.
The commissioned officer presiding over the Oath of Enlistment ceremony raises their right hand and asks the person(s) taking the Oath to raise their right hand and repeat the Oath after him/her.
The officer traditionally pauses after each line to allow the members to repeat the preceding line.
Oath of Enlistment – All Branches of Service
Enlisted members of all branches of the military take the same Oath of Enlistment. The presiding officer reads each line to the members taking the Oath, and allows them to repeat. The officer reads the words in parenthesis, and allows the members to fill in the appropriate response. Enlisted members may choose to say either “swear” or “affirm” and do not have to repeat both words. Members are also allowed to leave off the final line, “So help me God.”
The Oath of Enlistment is as follows:
I, (STATE YOUR 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.
Oath of Enlistment – Air National Guard and Army National Guard
Members of the National Guard have a very similar Oath of Enlistment. It follows the same procedures as the federal Oath of Enlistment, however, the presiding officer should say the state’s name where the Oath has (STATE NAME). All other procedures are the same.
I, (STATE YOUR 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.
Do Army and Air National Guard Members Take Both Oaths of Enlistment? No. Only the State Oath of Enlistment is required for National Guard members. Officers in the National Guard take both the federal and state Oath of Office when they commission.
History of the Oath of Enlistment
Military oaths date back to Roman times. They have existed in the United States since the earliest settlers arrived. The first official United States military oath dates to the 1790s, when officers and enlisted members took the same oath. The oaths were changed during the Civil War to a unique oath for officers and enlisted members. The current version of the Oath of Enlistment stems from the 1960s. You can read more in this pamphlet from the USAF Profession of Arms Center of Excellence (PACE).
Oath of Enlistment Frequently Asked Questions
Do Army and Air National Guard Members Take Both Oaths of Enlistment?
- No. Only the State Oath of Enlistment is required for National Guard members. Officers in the National Guard take both the federal and state Oath of Office when they commission.
Do commissioned officers take the Oath of Enlistment?
- No, commissioned officers take the Oath of Office. Commissioned Officers in the Air National Guard also take the State Oath of Office.
Is there an Air Force Oath of Enlistment?
- No, the Oath of Enlistment is the same for all branches.
Do members of the Air Force Reserves have their own Oath of Enlistment?
- No, they take the federal Oath of Enlistment. The only separate Oath of Enlistment is for members of the Army and Air National Guard, due to their split role in supporting both the state and federal missions.
Do Officers Need to Memorize the Oath of Enlistment When Giving it?
- No. In fact, it may be better not to memorize it unless you are 100% certain you will be able to deliver it flawlessly. Remember, this is a ceremony and is an important day for the troops to whom you administer the Oath. Please be considerate and deliver it with the respect it deserves, even if that means reading it.