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.And here's the Officer's Oath:
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.An enlisted man swears to follow the order of his commander in chief according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, after swearing to protect and defend the Constitution and bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
This requires an enlisted man to not follow any orders that would be unlawful or cause him to violate that oath.
An officer never swears to follow the orders of the CINC, but, that after swearing the same oath regarding the Constitution, that they will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which they are about to enter.
The issue with this Marine I believe is not what he has said, for he has simply said what his oath and the Uniform Code of Military Justice already require, that the orders be constitutional and lawful.
The problem they have with him is that he is being so public about it, has started his own Tea Party within the military, and they are concerned about good order and group cohesion as a result.
I likedhis group on Facebook and posted there, applauding his statements, pointing him to OathKeepers, and advising him to watch his six and his top knot.
I was an enlisted Marine and an AF officer. The enlisted oath does not require the following of a clearly unlawful order from senior officers or from the president.
I was taught that as a part of the law of armed combat back in the early 70s.
By the way, the officer’s duties of the office also include that they will follow LAWFUL orders from more senior officers including the president. They are not out there on their own without the same restrictions.
Exactly. Much like the soldiers refusing to deploy under Bush and/or criticizing his presidency. Put on the uniform and pour yourself a nice big cup of STFU, unless there's a darn good reason not to, but be ready to face the consequences - administratively or via the UCMJ.
Agree... Good job .