How many of us truly weigh the Oath we take and live up to the policies, regulations, guidelines and orders of those appointed over us?

Good question. I for one, when I first took it as a young 18 year old in the early 1970's, felt it was an necessary evil to getting out of the draft and into the VTNG. Then my senior NCOs (several of them WWII and Korean War veterans) got a hold of me and I somehow I began to appreciate what that oath meant. These guys proved to me patriotism and leadership starts at the lowest levels and I have been forever touched by them.

CSM Darieus ZaGara, I agree with TSgt David L., especially as it concerns the military. However, in similar discussion threads I have mentioned the fact that members of both houses of Congress take the same oath of office as do commissioned officers. This same oath is also taken by the Vice President, members of the Cabinet, federal judges and all other civil officers and federal employees other than the President. Imagine if commissioned officers took their oath as lightly as do many members of Congress. The United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth would be filled to overflowing!

I think most folks want to meet the spirit of the oath from the beginning. Some people may not care at first but come around after a while. There are a small number that may never care or take it serious and are only in it for themselves. Y'all know them when you see them.