The Oath

Marines recite oath of enlistment

I’m not alone. I’ve talked to many of my fellow veterans who get questions about the oath and what it means in this time of uncertainty about what may happen during a citizen’s revolt.

I never thought that question would ever be asked of me since it was hard to fathom that a sitting President would declare himself a King. But our founding fathers were fighting a king at the time and made a clear distinction between our President and other rulers.

It’s important to note upfront that the oath we took to defend the constitution has no expiration date and it is with us for life. So yes, a military veteran must obey their oath just as much as those currently serving our country. This soldier is serving her country now.

“So when we join the military, we all swear an oath. As an enlisted member, I swear an oath of enlistment. Officers swear an oath that's similar to ours, but different because their responsibilities and expectations are different than ours.”

One such veteran posted on Substack his answer to questions he’s had about our Oath of Enlistment.

“I'm a veteran. I served in the air force. I took an oath to defend the constitution of this country. And in that oath, that's the very first part, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. After that, I swear that I would accept the orders of the president as commander in chief and also of the officers appointed above me.”

It’s that second part of the oath that has some people confused. They ask how do you defend a President who has violated the constitution. This woman who is currently serving in the military believes she has the answer.

“In the enlisted oath, we swear that we will uphold and defend the constitution of The United States from, and I quote, all enemies foreign and domestic, close quote. We also swear, following that part, that we will obey the orders of the president of The United States and of all officers appointed above us. And that is where the clarification, I believe, is needed. So, yes, we do swear to follow the orders of the president of The United States. However, first, we swear that we will uphold and defend the constitution.

The presidential part comes after that, and that is a very important detail. See, the founding fathers were worried that people in the government over time would become greedy and desire power. And so they specifically worded things so that the military could not be used to take power from the people and give it to one man. We don't swear any allegiance or loyalty to the president. The constitution does not recognize the power and authority of any king.

And so the moment that the president breaks his oath of office, his power and authority as president becomes null and void. And the moment that happens, we are no longer supposed to obey any orders that he may try to issue.”

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) reinforces this with a strict legal framework that holds service members accountable for their conduct.

“And there's a part in the UCMJ that gives every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, coast guardsman, and now space force, the duty to not obey an illegal order. I'm asking my fellow veterans to stand with the constitution, and I'm asking all of our active duty brothers and sisters, remember your oath. We are not your enemy. We depend on you to protect us, and I give you my word. I will stand beside you if you fight for us.”

The Uniform Code of military justice is an important addition to the oath of enlistment. It makes sure that those who serve uphold the highest standards — not only in war zones but in how we treat our democracy.

Whether you served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or are still wearing the uniform today, the commitment to protect this nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic, is still required… morally, spiritually, and legally.

Drum cadence out

I’m Mike Turner

Thank you for listening