Warrior Oaths of Honor

With these simple words....
CITE:      10 USC Sec. 502                                01/03/95
EXPCITE: TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES

Subtitle A - General Military Law

PART II - PERSONNEL

CHAPTER 31 - ENLISTMENTS

HEAD Sec. 502. Enlistment oath: who may administer

STATUTE Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath:

''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!"
-------------------
This oath may be taken before any commissioned officer of any armed force.


POLICE AND FIRE

The oaths of honor that police and firemen take vary from city to city, state to state. In a few places there is no oath that is part of employment, but in general law enforcement personnel and firemen take Oaths of Honor. In 2000, the Committee on Police Ethics of the International Association of Police Chiefs framed an Oath of Honor suitable for any and all police departments. Many around the country and the world have adopted the oath.

Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

On my honor, I will never betray my badge,
my integrity, my character,
or the public trust.

I will always have the courage
to hold myself and others
accountable for our actions.
I will always uphold the
Constitution,
the community,
and the agency I serve,
so help me God.


  • HONOR means giving one's word as a bond and guarantee.
  • BETRAY is defined as breaking faith and proving false.
  • The BADGE is a visible symbol of the power of our office.
  • INTEGRITY is firm adherence to principles, both in our private and public life.
  • CHARACTER means when the qualities and standards of behavior that distinguish an individual.
  • The PUBLIC TRUST is a duty imposed in faith to those we are sworn to serve.
  • COURAGE is having the "heart", the mental and the moral strength to venture, persevere, withstand and overcome danger, difficulty and fear.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY means that we are answerable and responsible for our actions.
  • COMMUNITY is the municipalities, neighborhoods and citizens we serve.


In some places like Broken Arrow, OK, the Police Oath of Honor, while it says essentially the same things, is more lengthy and poignant than the one above.

POLICE OFFICER OATH OF OFFICE, Broken Arrow, OK

I, ________, having been duly appointed a Police Officer of the City of Broken Arrow, and a Peace Officer of the State of Oklahoma, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will defend, enforce, and obey the Constitution and Laws of the United States, the State of Oklahoma and the Ordinances of the City of Broken Arrow. That I will obey the lawful orders of my superior Officers and the regulations of the Broken Arrow Police Department. That I will and faithfully discharge my duties and responsibilities as a citizen of the United States. That I will protect the rights, lives and property of all citizens and uphold the honor of the Police profession, with my life, if need be. This I do solemnly swear (or affirm), this day of , 2004.

(This Police Oath still brings chills to most officers present when it is given to new members to the force.)


And then there is Farmer's Branch, TX where, in addition to the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, Police Officers live by this statement of belief and intent:

OUR BADGE MEANS CARING
This my shield
I bear it before me into battle
But it is not mine alone
It protects my brothers and sisters
It protects my city
I will never let my brother or sister out of its shadow
Nor my city out of its shelter
I will die with my shield before me facing the enemy.

Simple words, but what deeds flow from them!