Just Words?
“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.” – Oath of Enlistment
“I, _____ (SSAN), 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 or 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.” – Oath of Commission for Officers
These are the oaths taken by all military personnel, enlisted or officers, as they join the military. These oaths are taken freely and without coersion. And they are specific. I’ve highlighted what I believe is the most important aspect of those oaths – an allegiance to the founding father’s vision of this nation in a document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Consitution is a document that mandates limited government, fiscally responsible spending, and “general welfare” of its citizens. As you all know, things have changed since the 1780′s when the Constitutions was drafted and approved. The government has not done a good job of “insuring domestic tranquility” much lately. The Tax Day Tea Parties are a perfect example of a citizenry pissed off at government excesses. The Constitution mandates that this government “promotes the general Welfare” of its citizens – to allwe every citizen of this great nation to benefit from what the government can provide. Instead, we get laws that are directed specifically towards the rich, or the poor, or the middle class, or blacks, or Native Americans, or women, or gays!
But, not only do Soldiers take an oath to defend and protect the Constitution and all it stands for, we also strive to live by individual creeds. The following are just a few examples:
“I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” – The Code of Conduct
“In all my actions I will put loyalty to the highest moral principles and the United States of America above loyalty to organizations, persons, and my personal interest.” – Officer’s Creed
“I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.” – The Soldiers Creed
So, here’s a question for all of you out there. What is the “American way of life”? It wouldn’t be stretch to say that this phrase has obviously changed over time. Just contrast today’s family environment with the familiar environment of the 50′s.
Does the “American way of life” where we are bailing out private companies and taxing some individuals differently than other, where we are different opportunities to different people based solely on their skin color or nationality, conflict with the principles of the U.S. Constitution? And if it does, where does that leave the American military?
H/T to one of my former Soldiers for the idea for this post. You know who you are!
Flag Gazer
April 10th, 2009 at 3:00 pmSadly, the “American Way of Life” is not what it was when I was growing up… It evolves and quickly. I personally think that we have thrown away far too many of our ‘ways’ in the name of political correctness. And, that saddens me…
Peggy
April 11th, 2009 at 5:37 pmNot only do sailors say the oath but they also have the same type of words in their creed.
Sailor’s Creed
I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment .
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
What does it all mean??? The American way of life should represent freedom and democracy. It does not mean “what do I get for free” or “who will pay for it.”
The American way of life used to mean Manifest Destiny. Well, our ancestors took care of that. What is left for us?
People come to our country looking for this way of life. What exactly are they looking for? Handouts, rights, liberty? All of the above?
Now for the second part of the question…the military. Where does that leave those few? What does it mean to my family with 20+ years in the Navy? It means that if dad/husband must leave then so be it. He is doing his job. It means that we leave new friends sooner than we want. It means pride in our nation and our military. It means that sometimes we may not like what is going on but we will strive to make the best of it. It means doing something that others are proud of. It means that even though we have lived in areas that may be “different” we adjust.
I don’t think I really answered the questions fully because they can’t be answered in general.
Good questions though.
colorado springs
May 12th, 2009 at 2:54 pmYou apparently are younger than I if you think the oath has always been sworn “without coercion.” I would think that the draft would be coercion. Also, by taking that oath seriously, all service men and women would be required to go to Washington and lock up every so called “representative of the people” presently in power, and those who have gone before, who have served themselves like hogs at the trough for many generations. Are there any patriots left?