Posted on Jan 10, 2017
Is the primary reason to serve "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic"?
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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?
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?
Constitution
Honor
Integrity
Human Rights
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 12
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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.
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.
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PO3 Aaron Hassay
Probably the most powerful in my estimation inclusions in the Bill of Rights. The Anti Federalist had it right. The Federalist need to read this more often the 9th and 10th. We all need to create systems of federal government made by us the citizens to protect us the citizens under this Document the Constitution of the United States of which we swore the oath of enlistment to defend. Its a great self feeding loop once you enlist and actually understand that which you swore to defend. We should all understand what we swore to defend. It is a Great Document.
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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.
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.
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PO3 Donald Murphy
SSG (Join to see) - They don't teach government any more either. At least not in my state (Florida).
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PO3 Aaron Hassay
Probably the most powerful in my estimation inclusions in the Bill of Rights. The Anti Federalist had it right. The Federalist need to read this more often the 9th and 10th. We all need to create systems of federal government made by us the citizens to protect us the citizens under this Document the Constitution of the United States of which we swore the oath of enlistment to defend. Its a great self feeding loop once you enlist and actually understand that which you swore to defend. We should all understand what we swore to defend. It is a Great Document.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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.
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PO3 Donald Murphy
GySgt Stephen Anderson - Yup. Forgot about that. Had a few family members join the military to escape poverty.
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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?
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?
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SSG Richard Hackwith
As a soldier your duty is to obey your orders as per your oath. Your interpretations or opinions have no standing in law. Can you be 100% sure an order is illegal?
I, _____, 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." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
https://www.army.mil/values/oath.html
BTW, attempting to overthrow the government by force of arms is illegal.
I, _____, 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." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
https://www.army.mil/values/oath.html
BTW, attempting to overthrow the government by force of arms is illegal.
Oath of Enlistment - Army Values
The following is the Oath of Commissioned Officers
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SPC Kevin Ford
SSG Richard Hackwith - Thank you; that is the answer (outside of illegal orders). My reply is mostly going to question groups like Oath Keepers who somehow imply that their service oath obligates and empowered them to try and enforce their own individual interpretations of the Constitution. It does not.
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It's not the reason I served, however, until I separated, I have obeyed the officers appointed over me based on that oath.
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It is probably a more relevant reason than many others, PO3 Aaron Hassay, when deciding to make the the military a career.
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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".
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