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Honoring 40 Years of Mission Readiness
Oaths All who take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States," an oath of office, are taking part in a ceremony that involves two issues of religious diversity and accommodation. Some religious people feel constrained to avoid swearing an oath, believing such an utterance to violate their religious tenets. Thus, all military and DOD civilian personnel are given the choice of either swearing to "support and defend" or affirming their willingness to do so. Note that public law includes the phrase, "So help me, God," at the end of the oaths taken by officers, enlisted, and civilians. This does not seem to be optional, but the issue has not been addressed directly in a court of law or as a matter of policy within the Department of Defense or in the U.S. Congress. What is an oath? The U.S. Department of State has an answer.  The U.S. Department of StateHere is the oath taken by military officers and DOD (and other federal) civilians. Sec. 3331. Oath of officeHere is the oath taken by enlisted members of the DOD. Sec. 502. Enlistment oathRenewal of the oath. Sec. 2905. Oath renewal
Historical Information Here is an in-depth historical exploration of the oaths taken by military members. Please note that the author concludes the paper with a Christian-centric stance on the importance and content of oaths. "Air and Space Power Journal", Winter 2002A short historical sketch of oaths from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The Oath of Office and the ConstitutionFrom the Army comes another short historical sketch. Army: Oaths of Enlistment and Oaths of Office |