The Communications Skill is evident and important to the survival of our Constitutional Republic.

Nowhere is this more powerful than in the oaths that individuals who are serving in the military state when they assume their roles.

(DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)

“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 and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation 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.”

Note that this oath swears support to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It does not swear support to any individual – regardless of rank or office.

You can review the history of this oath by clicking HERE.

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS:

The day delegates signed the Constitution and officially adjourned – the following exchange was noted:

A lady asked Dr. Franklin, “ . . . well Doctor what we got – a republic or a monarchy?”

“A republic,” replied Dr. Franklin, “if you can keep it.”

The lady here alluded to was a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia.

It is my sincere hope that everyone in the military understands the oath that they took.

Perhaps it is time for everyone to take the oath once again as reaffirmation.

~ CCJ