Oath of Enlistment - do you swear or affirm? Does it really matter?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:02:55 -0400

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?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:10:58 -0400

CSM, an oath to me is your PROMISE, RESPONSIBILITY, & OBLIGATION to an organization you are joining. When your AFFIRM, I believe you are answering an YES/NO question. Therefore you are are 50/50 with the organization.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:22 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:22:56 -0400

I guess I don't get why you do t take an oath? When I raised my hand to join it was to swear I would defend the constitution not affirm. Why do all the hairs have to be split so fine? Your word should be your bond and if your word isn't then you are t the sort who should wear the uniform. IMHO

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:25 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:25:27 -0400

I never really gave it much thought. Although I know to some people, it is extremely important. I would not hold it against anyone either way.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 29 at 2015 2:26 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:26:43 -0400

CSM Michael J. Uhlig, I affirmed.
I thought of James 5:12 "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
I take the verse to mean that when we say "yes" or "no," it is just as morally binding on ourselves as an oath. We ought to do what we say whether we use the words "promise" or "swear" or whatever. If you think you can get away with lying by avoiding "promising" or "swearing," you have an integrity issue.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:34 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:34:46 -0400

I took the oath to the defend of this country six times. Two through six were not necessary because the pledge is for life. In my case I swore to my God that I would honor the oath.

I don't care what procedure you used. I only care that you meant to honor your commitment.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 29 at 2015 2:45 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:45:46 -0400

I say neither. Let your yes's be yes and no's be no. There's no reason to do either in my opinion.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:46 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:46:33 -0400

Doesn't matter.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:48 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:48:33 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 29 at 2015 3:22 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:22:17 -0400

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.

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Mar 29 at 2015 3:32 PM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:32:20 -0400

To be honest, I've always felt the oath (or affirmation) was just pomp and circumstance. The real teeth of one's commitment lies in the signed contract. Then again, I'm a pragmatic person.

IMO, if you need some sort of pact with your God to honor your commitments, you've got some pretty serious character issues.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 29 at 2015 3:43 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:43:17 -0400

1985 when (we) all enlisted in the LTCs, BG, CSM, when all it means a GREAT deal. NOW, things have changed, the WINGS of TIME. is a problem.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 4:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:08:56 -0400

I accept either as long as you are living it. It is easy for all to say but hard for some to do.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 29 at 2015 4:46 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:46:12 -0400

I swear, but I understand the religious objections to swearing and support the option.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 29 at 2015 5:11 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:11:09 -0400

To me, the difference is a subtlety.

Initially, I swear an oath. After that, I affirm my commitment to that oath.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 5:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:25:42 -0400

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 29 at 2015 5:48 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:48:27 -0400

It doesn't matter to me, in particular whether my subordinates chose to swear/affirm, or to include the closing line. However, it does matter if they believed it. I don't want anyone "compelled" into an Oath.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. "Words mean things." Let's not make them hollow. Having an Oath above and beyond the signing of our contract exists for a reason. Being 100% committed to that Oath means things. If you don't believe the words you are saying, you shouldn't be saying them, and I don't want you here.

Now, our Oaths have a mandated "script," which is fine. They could just as easily say "I pinky promise" as SFC Mark Merino notes in his response, and if the member believes that. I'm all for it. But don't put them in a position not "not being true to themselves" as a matter of ceremony.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 29 at 2015 5:50 PM

SPC Donald Tribble — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:50:09 -0400

I believe that the actions of the Military Member are truly what counts. We have all seen fellow Military Members who have hardly lived up to the oath they too, sworn or affirmed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 6:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 18:35:18 -0400

Some affirm for religious regions as you should not swear by anything in heaven or on earth.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 7:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 19:29:23 -0400

As a Career Counselor, I have set up hundreds of reenlistments, I have only had a couple over the years that did not want to swear.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 29 at 2015 9:57 PM

SGT John Wesley — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 21:57:21 -0400

Swear or Affirm? Makes no difference to me. I took my oath seriously and my religious/Political beliefs held no bearing on my commitment to this country.

I hate when we get so damn PC that we have to make changes to appease everyone. It's all just a play on words. You wanna commit to the service of your country? Repeat the oath as it was written.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 10:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 22:50:22 -0400

I used swear when I re-enlisted but honestly it does not make a difference to me what a Soldier utilizes as longs as he or she is committed to serving the Greatest Nation!

I do believe in a higher power though I have flat lined four times so far in my life and how can there be any other explanation? I have survived more in my short time here than most. I keep my Guardian Angel extremely busy between bad choices and thrill seeking. :)

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 30 at 2015 12:25 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:25:18 -0400

Swear. Always.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 2:23 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 02:23:38 -0400

I swear that I am getting tired of this topic :)

I swore every time but, I swear a lot.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 30 at 2015 8:03 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 08:03:42 -0400

No difference to me. I think I've heard some religions prohibit the swearing of oaths. Hence the affirmation option. Potato patato to me.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 30 at 2015 9:59 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 09:59:35 -0400

I personally chose to swear, but this should not matter. Making the commitment to the country and the Constitution is what is important. Whomever you swear or affirm to should not matter, so long as you plan to honor your oath.

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 30 at 2015 12:21 PM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:21:28 -0400

It is an oath. You swear to oaths. You affirm marriages. :)

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:26:27 -0400

The way I see it is a swear is a promise to a deity, whereas an affirmation is a promise to oneself. As an atheist, a promise to myself is worth more than a promise to a deity that I don't believe in. So, I affirm.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:35:00 -0400

Swear:
To state (something) very strongly and sincerely
To promise very strongly and sincerely to do or not do something

Affirm:
To say that something is true in a confident way
To show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)

[source: Mirriam -Webster dictionary online]

They sound pretty similar to me, it sounds like we're splitting hairs here.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:42 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:42:16 -0400

I swear because I believe that what I am committing to do as a member of the military is worthy of swearing. It's not a commitment to be taken likely and affirming just seems, to me, like I'm saying "yeah ok, I guess I'll do it." On the other hand swearing to me is making a commitment that will be adhered too.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 1:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:39:26 -0400

To swear is to "make a solemn statement or promise undertaking to do something or affirming that something is the case."

Affirm: "state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly."

I have to choose Swear. This way, you are doing BOTH. :-)

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 30 at 2015 1:47 PM

SFC Charles S. — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:47:30 -0400

I swear, but in today's society, the (Swear or Affirm) actual difference is lost on who is saying it. It comes out with both and the difference is probably not even know by most making the statement.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 30 at 2015 2:11 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:11:37 -0400

It doesn't matter, so long as we live by our oaths.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 3:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:57:33 -0400

I did both, lol! I was so nervous I repeated back both!

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Mar 30 at 2015 8:52 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 20:52:04 -0400

I matters to me that I swear my oaths. My beliefs are that swearing is the highest level of commitment I can make. If someone chooses to affirm, it does not affect my opinion of that person or their level of commitment. Just because we do not have the same beliefs does not mean that our level of commitment is different; other actions will prove or disprove that.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Mar 31 at 2015 2:47 AM

SGT Francis Wright — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:47:36 -0400

I swear, because my word is my bond.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 5:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 05:15:12 -0400

To swear is to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true. Or to utter obscenities or profanities. It is ok to swear if it is in the first part unless you are doing it in the second part of the meaning . That being said maybe best to just say to "Affirm" to the oath . It is about a persons word and honor how they respond . Since using either word is personal to the person Taking the Oath how they respond.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 31 at 2015 12:26 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:26:19 -0400

CSM Michael J. Uhlig, I'm retired now, but I always swore when I took an oath. CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member perfectly describes my feelings regarding the matter.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 1:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:50:37 -0400

As long as you have the courage to honor your commitment then I really don't care how the person confirms their oath. Honor....Courage...Commitment. I will add though that I am a bit traditional.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 1:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:58:59 -0400

I swear and promise to support and defend the oath. Affirming/swearing is irrelevant, just as some others on here said.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 1 at 2015 2:53 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:53:04 -0400

The Oath is an oath, whatever word you choose. As long as you keep it, I don't care what word you use.

Response by PO3 Randy Clark made Aug 13 at 2021 9:54 AM

PO3 Randy Clark — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:54:38 -0400

Yes