Is the primary reason to serve "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic"?

2017-01-10T03:12:34-05:00

A little quiz.
USC "United States Code" 54 Titles
Title 10 § 502 - Enlistment oath
How well do you know the Bill of Rights the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution of 1788 created to protect your human rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness creating systems of government to protect the same. For example do you know Amendment 9 and Amendment 10?

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Jan 10 at 2017 3:31 AM

2017-01-10T03:31:08-05:00

I will be honest and admit that I am a little rusty on my history.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 10 at 2017 3:49 AM

2017-01-10T03:49:49-05:00

It's enough reason, isn't it?

As to the 9th and 10th Amendments - they state that the rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are still retained by the people, and the powers not specifically delegated to the Federal Government are retained by the States and/or the people.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 10 at 2017 6:56 AM

2017-01-10T06:56:42-05:00

I enlisted in the Marines during the Iranian hostage crisis. Me and about a dozen friends all thought the fit was going to hit the shan. and decided we wanted in on it. I guess you can say we joined to accept our responsibility to go after a foreign enemy at the time (they are still an enemy).

It is not always that linear in nature. The only people I am unhappy with are the people that join only for or primarily for benefits.

I am not sure how your two topics tie together (why someone joins the military and their understanding of the bill of rights, especially the 9th and 10th amendments).

Most that join at 18 or 22 have cursory understanding of the bill of rights unless they happen to be a US History or law major.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jan 10 at 2017 8:30 AM

2017-01-10T08:30:54-05:00

It's not the reason I served, however, until I separated, I have obeyed the officers appointed over me based on that oath.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jan 10 at 2017 9:03 AM

2017-01-10T09:03:28-05:00

The question always to the considered is who's interpretation are we using here? Should every soldier read and interpret the Constitution as they see it and only follow orders congruent with their own interpretation, or use force of arms to protect their own interpretation?

The question is an important one because it goes to the heart of when does the military or an individual soldier turn away from the express orders of the government? When is an order illegal when it comes to the Constitution, is it ever?

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jan 10 at 2017 9:26 AM

2017-01-10T09:26:06-05:00

Nope. Its not. Common reasons:

1. I'm serving because its a family tradition (my father, grandfather, brother, etc, have all served).
2. I'm serving because I feel every citizen should do a tour.
3. I'm serving for the benefits.
4. I'm serving because I feel it will "man me up" for civilian life.
5. I'm serving because I have to ("military or jail, son...)(still relevant when I joined).
6. I'm serving because I can't get the civilian job I want.
7. I'm serving because of (insert event of your choice)(Pearl Harbor, 9-11, etc)
8. I'm serving for the adventure.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 10 at 2017 9:33 AM

2017-01-10T09:33:18-05:00

I have all that sitting on my chest in my bedroom at home. I use to have it memorized, but over time I have forgotten.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 10 at 2017 9:40 AM

2017-01-10T09:40:09-05:00

So why do so many individuals in today's military feel, they can wear the uniform and verbally quote the Constitution. Yet align themselves and support various organizations both political and social. That want nothing but the abolishment or outright destruction of the Constitution of the United States?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 10:06 AM

2017-01-10T10:06:23-05:00

I will say that when I enlisted I had not read the constitution. I had read my college tuition bill and read that the service offered money for school and an opportunity to do something different.

If you want the 22 years later answer, yes the primary reason to have a military is to have a continual group of people ready to act on foreign policy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 11:22 AM

2017-01-10T11:22:46-05:00

To be part of something bigger then myself, to give back to my nation. Now, i stay in because of those reasons but also I am only a few years from my 20. After i get that we will see what happens.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 1:10 PM

2017-01-10T13:10:29-05:00

Constitution was farthest thing from my mind. I just wanted opportunity and change. After years of service I began to see the roots of service and my focus shifted. I'd imagine many that join today do so for many of the same reasons. Lack of jobs and the desire to experience the World. I think the patriotic thing comes in during times of challenge to USA.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 10 at 2017 3:20 PM

2017-01-10T15:20:56-05:00

Have to admit having to serve during the 'Nam era (enlisted vs. being drafted), it wasn't what I was looking forward to vs. just completing my college education. However, a new road leads to different destinations. Sure I got hurt, but I wasn't afraid of what a MIL career could provide. The math was working out well in '76. No real wars on the horizon, work hard and they'll keep you, don't have to worry about some things. One thing I knew early; you're better off buying into the oath than fighting it. When you do, you're fighting yourself knowing your promise means nothing. "Domestic" is a problem as there's a long legislative/statutory history limiting "domestic". Never equate that directly to "foreign".

Response by SGT Mary G. made Jan 14 at 2021 10:55 PM

2021-01-14T22:55:41-05:00

It is probably a more relevant reason than many others, PO3 Aaron Hassay, when deciding to make the the military a career.