You've sworn an oath to defend the Constitution. Have you read it?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 15:59:51 -0500

I have the feeling the vast majority of service members haven't read it.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 4:21 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 16:21:38 -0500

To be honest Major Miller, the only reading of the Constitution was while I was in school. We actually carried around a pocket Constitution.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 22 at 2013 5:03 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:03:10 -0500

We the people

http://constitutionus.com/

THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION - We the People

U.S. CONSTITUTION - a highly accessible, easy to use online version full text including the Bill of Rights and the rest of the Amendments

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2013 12:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 00:01:50 -0500

Front and back, sir!

Not only as it pertains to why I'm serving, but also in my many debates over Christianity, atheism, and the United States' founding principles.

Excellent document, good amendments, and something we should never lose sight of while we're part of the armed forces.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 10:46 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 10:46:58 -0400

I have not read the entirety of the Constitution, but I have an app on my phone for references when it is needed.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jun 4 at 2014 9:13 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 21:13:54 -0400

Sadly, I think the answer is "no" on the whole. My impression is that people quote the parts that meet their worldview, but ignore the rest.

Note: This is different from two people having a legitimate disagreement as to the meaning. I'm talking about flat-out ignoring the inconvenient bits.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 4 at 2014 9:37 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 21:37:32 -0400

I do not think there are many first time enlistees that have read it. I also think those who have do not really understand it. There are a few that are ahead of their actual years in maturity that do have a better understanding of the Constitution.

I have a copy of it on my computer for reference, I have read and studied it. Many of my courses have had at least one discussion on topics that require some knowledge of the Constitution to intelligently answer.

As with many political issues that face our nation, too many get there interpretation from a group, individual, or political party. I doubt there are many that have read it.

I would venture to guess that the Constitution and Bible are tied for the most misquoted and misunderstood readings of our time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 7:22 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 07:22:18 -0400

For years I had framed copies of the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence hanging in my office.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 5 at 2014 9:27 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:27:43 -0400

Sir,

I have read it...more than once. I think it is also important that when we take the oath, we understand what the words we are saying mean something too.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 5 at 2014 10:02 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:02:40 -0400

I read it and still live it as my oath never expires.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 1:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 13:09:43 -0400

MAJ M,

That is a great point. I would recommend anyone joining or in to actually read it thoroughly. Also great reading "Founding Fathers on Leadership" by Donald Philips. It really makes one appreciate the history of the US.

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The Founding Fathers on Leadership: Classic Teamwork in Changing Times: Donald T. Phillips:...

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Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 1:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 13:39:01 -0400

Sir, I most assuredly have read it. Multiple times and I do understand it. I have three pocket guides of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, combined into one. Also have the Constitution website bookmarked on all my computers, an app on my iPhone, and an app on my Nook. My wife just downloaded the app onto her phone.

The best pocket version is the maroon colored one from the Cato Institute. You can get 10 of them for $10. Keep two or three of them then give away the rest, which is what I do.

http://store.cato.org/books/declaration-independence-constitution-united-states-pocket-constitution-paperback-0

The Cato Pocket Constitution

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 2:01 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:01:17 -0400

Not only have I read it, but I keep a copy on my desk. It means something to have on hand when we swear oaths. It's a reminder that we are not beholden to a man, a government, partisanship or people...but to the ideas that founded this country.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 18 at 2014 12:13 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 00:13:32 -0400

Not Lately but Some parts kinda stick in my head like Section II Authority of the President. Supremacy Clause and the Interstate Commerce Clause. All 3 very useful in discussing a lot of stuff going on as far as Current Events.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 5 at 2015 3:03 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 15:03:01 -0500

Yes, I have. On a number of occasions.

I read it to fulfill my obligations as a citizen, then I read it again to fulfill my obligations as a Political Science Major, and I have read it as a reminder of my obligations as a soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 2:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:32:50 -0400

Good question. An even better question is, "Have our political leaders read it?"