Posted on Mar 29, 2015
Oath of Enlistment - do you swear or affirm? Does it really matter?
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When it comes to the Oath of Enlistment and the Oath of Commissioned Officers gives us an option to swear or affirm. Did it make a principled difference to you? Does it make a difference to you what your subordinates/peers/superiors chose to do?
Some chose to Swear - do you? Why?
Some chose to Affirm - do you? Why?
Does it make a difference to you? Why?
Some chose to Swear - do you? Why?
Some chose to Affirm - do you? Why?
Does it make a difference to you? Why?
Posted in these groups: 
Oath
Oath
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 41
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In my case, it doesn't matter what the specific words are that I "pinky promise" to do. I know that I am going to surrender my freedoms for the next x-amount of years for the greater good of my country. I don't question the politics or the mission or my personal beliefs as long as they are legal. I've never been asked to follow an immoral order. Whether I swear, affirm, promise, etc., I am aware that I am a representative of my Nation and I am armed. If I screw up, go against doctrine or ROE, I'm going to be held accountable.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
good point SFC Mark Merino, we are held accountable, and our agreement to join (or stay) in the service is an enforceable contract - as opposed to the ceremonial proceedings of the oath.
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CSM,
I swore in 1991. I have sworn every single time since.
To me, a swear is a solemn promise not to be broken. To affirm, means merely to say "yes". Just my $0.02.
I swore in 1991. I have sworn every single time since.
To me, a swear is a solemn promise not to be broken. To affirm, means merely to say "yes". Just my $0.02.
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CPT (Join to see)
I swore. I do ask of my Soldiers which they'd prefer to say when doing a (re)enlistment ceremony.
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PFC (Join to see)
I swore in. I have people I would eat a round for who affirmed, and I trust it meant the same thing.
However, I feel there may not be a word for the pride I got from the privileged to do so, affirmation, swearing, signing, pledging, promising. Maybe it's all bout what you do with your oath afterwards.
Also just my opinion.
However, I feel there may not be a word for the pride I got from the privileged to do so, affirmation, swearing, signing, pledging, promising. Maybe it's all bout what you do with your oath afterwards.
Also just my opinion.
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I Swear in my Oath. I don't really think it makes much of a difference and it is really a personal preference. Whether you be agnostic or a Christian you should be committed to this Great Nation.
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