Change the Oath Of Enlistment?

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:04:57 -0400

Should the oath of enlistment be changed to "...and the lawful orders of the officers appointed over me."? I know some people would say it is implied but it seems an important detail to me.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 28 at 2015 7:10 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:10:03 -0400

"If" we were to change it, it should be changed to exactly mirror the Officers/VP/Senate Oath.

Swearing to follow the orders of the President et al, is quite frankly unnecessary, as the Constitution establishes our default Chain of Command.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 4:20 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:20:29 -0400

Hi, Senior.

I've often thought that, too, although I hope that "lawful orders," like you said, would be implied.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 6:17 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:17:41 -0400

I don't particularly think it needs to change, but as Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS mentioned, if it does change it should mirror the Officer's Oath.

There is some historical reason for the differences, but with the advances of our enlisted men and women that is significantly more subtle and the time for blindly following orders has at the very least significantly diminished.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 5 at 2020 3:24 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Tue, 05 May 2020 15:24:37 -0400

The only difference I see is that if the order is unlawful it not only does not have to be obeyed , but it should be reported to CoC and IG for investigation.

Response by TSgt Avey Robert made Jul 31 at 2022 6:52 PM

TSgt Avey Robert — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 18:52:29 -0400

The enlistment oath should not be changed. My opinion is this: NOTHING should be implied.