Does your oath dissolve when you’ve ETSed?

PFC James (LURCH) Janota — Wed, 29 May 2019 18:48:52 -0400

I’ve often question myself whenever I see craziness that can be misconstrued as treason televised. So I’m wondering if we still have responsibilities for our country after our term is up.

Response by PVT Kenneth Krause made May 29 at 2019 6:52 PM

PVT Kenneth Krause — Wed, 29 May 2019 18:52:50 -0400

It is of my opinion based upon Gods word that if you take an oath, it is for life.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 6:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 18:57:01 -0400

IMHO.............NO

Response by SGT Robert R. made May 29 at 2019 6:58 PM

SGT Robert R. — Wed, 29 May 2019 18:58:18 -0400

You have responsibilities because you are an American

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 7:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 19:10:16 -0400

Just one part - the piece about obeying the orders of commissioned officers.
The rest I will do for life.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 29 at 2019 7:21 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 29 May 2019 19:21:51 -0400

As a citizen you should live up to the oath forever. The only part that dies out is obeying the orders of the folks above you. to do less is (my$.02) is to be an oxygen thief, subsisting off of others.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made May 29 at 2019 8:40 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Wed, 29 May 2019 20:40:43 -0400

The same responsibilities as any citizen.

We are a country of diverse opinions. Part of your oath was to obey the orders of the officers appointed over you which is a constraint that is important but doesn't exist in the civilian world. That is to say, we all don't get to decide if our interpretation of laws and the Constitution is correct and start an insurrection as civilians because we once swore an oath to be a good soldier.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 9:17 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:17:58 -0400

I look at it this way, you can find the same words verbatim in both the Oath of Enlistment and Oath of Citizenship:
"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."
While you only need to take an Oath of Citizenship when you are naturalizing, I like to believe it's implied that all Americans could be counted on for at least this much.

Response by SPC Gilbert Russell made May 29 at 2019 9:31 PM

SPC Gilbert Russell — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:31:02 -0400

I am a disabled vet. and I still feel like my oath is my word and well always be. I am72 years old and a vietnam vet. and I would still serve if asked I know that I could do something in a suport unit so that someone else could go do the fighting I wouldent like staying behind but I would.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made May 29 at 2019 9:31 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:31:28 -0400

That’s between you and God

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 9:40 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:40:22 -0400

My retirement orders stated "effective 31 March 2005, you are hereby relieved of unit and station of assignment" Nothing has ever been said about being relieved of my Oath.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made May 30 at 2019 12:45 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 30 May 2019 00:45:26 -0400

It expires.....Old people say it doesn't to protect their egos....Just tell your VA doctor you're going to bear arms to fight against domestic enemies and see who comes a knocking.....

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made May 30 at 2019 9:48 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Thu, 30 May 2019 09:48:47 -0400

1. I've seen no signs of treason.
2. I am an American and my honor commits me to the intent of that oath I took so many years ago. I did not see an expiration date.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 10:01 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 May 2019 10:01:09 -0400

I was never relieved of my oath, and it has no expiration date.