1LT Aaron Barr 781796 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is out of genuine curiosity having been born after the draft was eliminated. After all, part of the oath says that the obligation is taken freely; would that really apply to a draftee who was being forced to serve? Moreover, would refusal to recite the oath get one out of being drafted? 2015-06-30T19:41:14-04:00 1LT Aaron Barr 781796

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is out of genuine curiosity having been born after the draft was eliminated. After all, part of the oath says that the obligation is taken freely; would that really apply to a draftee who was being forced to serve? Moreover, would refusal to recite the oath get one out of being drafted?

2015-06-30T19:41:14-04:00 2015-06-30T19:41:14-04:00 Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS 781811

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Enlisted Oath doesn't have that same line.<br /><br />""I, (state name of enlistee), 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.)"<br /><br />The Phrase you are referring to ("that I take this obligation freely") appears only in the Officers' Oath:<br /><br />"I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; (So help me God.)"

2015-06-30T19:48:07-04:00 2015-06-30T19:48:07-04:00 SGT Robert Eddy 7171288

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Our group of mostly draftees was told to &quot;Take one step forward&quot;, which I think affirmed that we took the Oath. One of the men asked the LT, whether he was obliged to take one step forward. The LT got in his face and sternly said, &quot;Take one step forward,....PRIVATE!&quot;

2021-08-09T23:58:53-04:00 2021-08-09T23:58:53-04:00 SPC Bill Howell 7173138

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was drafted and I along with others took the oath. I was drafted because at the time I really didn&#39;t want to join for several years, but I was not going to evade it either. I had a friend that said he could probably get men into the National Guard and I told him no thank you. I am very glad that I served and would do so again, if I wasn&#39;t at my age that I am. My service is one of my highlights in my life. I served in Vietnam, 70-71 for 14 months.

2021-08-10T17:49:11-04:00 2021-08-10T17:49:11-04:00 SPC Lyle Montgomery 7175619

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I volunteered for the draft in 1969 and we definately did take the oath. a fynny thing happened to me when we took the oath. The ranking officer there was a Marine, so I got nervous because I wanted to be in the Army and not the Marines. Before taking the oath I told the Marine Officer that I was not joining the Marines but the Army. This got a good laugh from all there including the officer. He explained to all of us that he was the high ranking officer there so he would be giving the oath to all Army, Navy, Marines and Airforce. As a footnote I have a great deal of respect for the Marine Corps. I was an Army infantry grunt in Viet Nam. We both had the same shitty job.

2021-08-11T18:26:26-04:00 2021-08-11T18:26:26-04:00 PO2 Bull Halsey 7175667

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Of course. Lots of people were mandated to take oaths to get or maintain their jobs, a void prison, belong to political parties, unions, etc. <br />I took my oath for the military after being drafted, but took it by my choice.

2021-08-11T18:43:51-04:00 2021-08-11T18:43:51-04:00 PO2 Bull Halsey 7175690

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Now I’m curious now. I remember taking the oath containing the words “with my life..”<br />Anyone else remember that? I am sure they said something about the possibility of death, as it shocked me for a moment, and I took it very seriously. This was at AFEES in Chicago in ‘67.

2021-08-11T18:51:08-04:00 2021-08-11T18:51:08-04:00 SPC Carlton Phelps 7177042

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes. Went I was going thru induction, everyone was taking it at the same time. That was the theory. I never saw anyone refuse to take it.

2021-08-12T08:42:46-04:00 2021-08-12T08:42:46-04:00 SFC Gary Kesti 7178111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes they were

2021-08-12T16:15:02-04:00 2021-08-12T16:15:02-04:00 SGM Willie Sanderson 7180446

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I was drafted into the Army in 1969 and we were all given the oath of enlistment. I don&#39;t believe anything good could have come from not reciting the oath because there was about 50 of us at the same time so no one would have cared or heard that you didn&#39;t repeat the words. Lol and leadership in 69 if you were seen not following instructions would certainly lead to a medical condition called a 779. Seven doctors working for 7 days getting some battle tested NCOs boot out of your ass.

2021-08-13T16:31:25-04:00 2021-08-13T16:31:25-04:00 SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D 7182159

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes

2021-08-14T11:45:55-04:00 2021-08-14T11:45:55-04:00 Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen 7182379

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, often in mass at the processing center.

2021-08-14T13:31:43-04:00 2021-08-14T13:31:43-04:00 2015-06-30T19:41:14-04:00