United States Armed Forces oath of enlistment

Enlistment oath: who may administer (a) Enlistment Oath.— Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath: 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.

(b) Who May Administer.— The oath may be taken before the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary of Defense, any commissioned officer, or any other person designated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.Army Regulation 601-210, Active and Reserve Components Enlistment Program provides that: A commissioned officer of any service will administer the Oath of Enlistment in DD Form 4 orally, in English, to each application.

Make a suitable arrangement to ensure that the oath is administered in a dignified manner and in proper surroundings.

The words "So help me God" may be omitted for persons who desire to affirm rather than to swear to the oath.

For a first-time enlistee, this varies from two to six years,which can be a combination of active duty and time spent in a reserve component, although enlisted reservists are subject to activation until the end of the eight-year initial military obligation.