Were draftees required to take the Oath of Service?

1LT Aaron Barr — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:41:14 -0400

This is out of genuine curiosity having been born after the draft was eliminated. After all, part of the oath says that the obligation is taken freely; would that really apply to a draftee who was being forced to serve? Moreover, would refusal to recite the oath get one out of being drafted?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 30 at 2015 7:48 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:48:07 -0400

The Enlisted Oath doesn't have that same line.

""I, (state name of enlistee), 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.)"

The Phrase you are referring to ("that I take this obligation freely") appears only in the Officers' Oath:

"I, _____, 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 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.)"

Response by SGT Robert Eddy made Aug 9 at 2021 11:58 PM

SGT Robert Eddy — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 23:58:53 -0400

Our group of mostly draftees was told to "Take one step forward", which I think affirmed that we took the Oath. One of the men asked the LT, whether he was obliged to take one step forward. The LT got in his face and sternly said, "Take one step forward,....PRIVATE!"

Response by SPC Bill Howell made Aug 10 at 2021 5:49 PM

SPC Bill Howell — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:49:11 -0400

I was drafted and I along with others took the oath. I was drafted because at the time I really didn't want to join for several years, but I was not going to evade it either. I had a friend that said he could probably get men into the National Guard and I told him no thank you. I am very glad that I served and would do so again, if I wasn't at my age that I am. My service is one of my highlights in my life. I served in Vietnam, 70-71 for 14 months.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 11 at 2021 6:26 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:26:26 -0400

I volunteered for the draft in 1969 and we definately did take the oath. a fynny thing happened to me when we took the oath. The ranking officer there was a Marine, so I got nervous because I wanted to be in the Army and not the Marines. Before taking the oath I told the Marine Officer that I was not joining the Marines but the Army. This got a good laugh from all there including the officer. He explained to all of us that he was the high ranking officer there so he would be giving the oath to all Army, Navy, Marines and Airforce. As a footnote I have a great deal of respect for the Marine Corps. I was an Army infantry grunt in Viet Nam. We both had the same shitty job.

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Aug 11 at 2021 6:43 PM

PO2 Bull Halsey — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:43:51 -0400

Of course. Lots of people were mandated to take oaths to get or maintain their jobs, a void prison, belong to political parties, unions, etc.
I took my oath for the military after being drafted, but took it by my choice.

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Aug 11 at 2021 6:51 PM

PO2 Bull Halsey — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:51:08 -0400

Now I’m curious now. I remember taking the oath containing the words “with my life..”
Anyone else remember that? I am sure they said something about the possibility of death, as it shocked me for a moment, and I took it very seriously. This was at AFEES in Chicago in ‘67.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Aug 12 at 2021 8:42 AM

SPC Carlton Phelps — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:42:46 -0400

Yes. Went I was going thru induction, everyone was taking it at the same time. That was the theory. I never saw anyone refuse to take it.

Response by SFC Gary Kesti made Aug 12 at 2021 4:15 PM

SFC Gary Kesti — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:15:02 -0400

Yes they were

Response by SGM Willie Sanderson made Aug 13 at 2021 4:31 PM

SGM Willie Sanderson — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:31:25 -0400

Yes, I was drafted into the Army in 1969 and we were all given the oath of enlistment. I don't believe anything good could have come from not reciting the oath because there was about 50 of us at the same time so no one would have cared or heard that you didn't repeat the words. Lol and leadership in 69 if you were seen not following instructions would certainly lead to a medical condition called a 779. Seven doctors working for 7 days getting some battle tested NCOs boot out of your ass.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Aug 14 at 2021 11:45 AM

SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 11:45:55 -0400

Yes

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 14 at 2021 1:31 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 13:31:43 -0400

Yes, often in mass at the processing center.