Thirty service members representing each branch of the military, to include the Coast Guard, await President Bush's arrival. They came to the White House July 1 to take the oath of re-enlistment as part of special ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the all-volunteer force. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample.
White House Ceremony Marks 30 Years of All-Volunteer Force
By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2003 — With right hands and voices raised, 30 military personnel from each branch of the armed forces repeated the oath of re-enlistment in the White House East Room today.
This re-enlistment ceremony marked the 30th anniversary of the all-volunteer force. Presiding over the event was Commander in Chief George W. Bush. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, read the oath.
The White House ceremony was one of many held throughout the Defense Department on this special day. Enlistment ceremonies were also held at 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations throughout the United States.