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Commandant’s Remarks prior to Oath of Allegiance
June 27, 2008


As the sound of airplanes fly overhead…“….Families, friends, Cadets and class of 2012, we are here today to take the Oath of Allegiance, which marks the beginning of Basic Cadet Training. Class of 2012, 9,000 of your peers applied to be part of your class, but only 1,348 of you have chosen to be here today. You begin your training with cadets from all over the United States and from 16 different allied countries. As you consider the challenges you are about to face, I want you to focus your attention on the Oath you are about to take. It is the same Oath you will take when you become an Officer, four years from now. It is the same Oath that men and woman currently serving in defense of our great Nation, have taken. It is an Oath about commitment, honor, and pride. The Oath requires commitment to your success of your organization, your team, which for all of you includes your fellow Basic Cadets. As you recite the Oath you will state that you take this obligation freely. As you say the words, remind yourself why you are here. Think of the decisions that brought you to this point. These thoughts will sustain you throughout your many challenges in Basic Cadet Training. As you complete the Oath, and begin this journey, look at your Upperclassmen, those who will be training you, your Cadre. They have also taken this Oath. They have learned what it means to be committed and they demonstrate it in everything they do. Cadet Curry, prepare the class of 2012 to take the Oath of Allegiance.”

Commandant administers the Oath of Allegiance:

“Class of 2012, please repeat after me, proudly and in a loud, clear voice. I, state your name, having been appointed a Basic Cadet in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith in allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation 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.”

“Class of 2012, I am encouraged by your presence today. This marks the beginning of the many successes and challenges that you will face as you tackle Basic Cadet Training. I look forward to watching each and every one of you develop into leaders of character here at our United States Air Force Academy.”