The oath in the army is a real event for recruits. It is a ceremonial, solemn oath that every citizen entering the service must take. So, we should talk in more detail about this process itself.
What's the point?
Such a procedure as taking an oath in the army dates back to ancient times. Since ancient times, a person entering the service had to go through this. And this was not only the case in Russia. The military oath exists in many countries of the world. Of course, the content is specific, as are the rituals and traditions regarding its acceptance. It all depends on the customs of a particular country and the essence of the state system. But the meaning, be that as it may, is the same in all cases. The oath in the army is given by a recruit as a solemn oath of allegiance to his state.
The text of the oath has been rewritten more than once. And in the modern edition it is as short and succinct as possible. The first thing the recruit must say is the following phrase: “I (full name) solemnly swear allegiance to my Fatherland - the Russian Federation.” And then - according to the established text. It should be known well, but, as a rule, no one memorizes it. Because future fighters are given folders (usually red) that contain text. In principle, the point is that the future soldier swears to comply with the Constitution of the state, as well as strictly follow all orders of the commanders. And of course, fulfill your military duty and defend the freedom of the Motherland. In order for a soldier to take on these responsibilities, there is an oath in the army. The text of the oath must be given to soldiers for review.
How is the celebration going?
So, the oath in the army takes place on a certain day, at a specific time. Usually early in the morning (around 9 o'clock). The military unit must line up on the parade ground (on foot). On this day, all recruits put on a dress uniform and take weapons. There should also be an orchestra on the parade ground. When the celebration begins, the military banner of the unit, as well as the flag of the state, is brought to the parade ground. The military personnel who will have to take the oath are always lined up in the first ranks. Before the ceremony begins, the commander of the military unit speaks. Usually he reminds all recruits that they are now given a very responsible and at the same time honorable duty - to take an oath to their Fatherland. After a short speech, the recruits begin to be called, one by one, of course. Everyone breaks ranks, reads out the text of the oath, and then signs on a list prepared in advance next to their own name. Basically, that's all. After this procedure, the recruit returns to duty, and the next one is called.
When everything is over, the commander of the military unit says words of congratulations. Speeches can also be given by guests - veterans or officials (usually representatives of local authorities). In conclusion, the anthem of the Russian Federation is played by the orchestra. After this, the military unit in its entirety marches along the parade ground in a solemn march.
After the oath
When the celebration ends, the soldiers are given free time to spend with their parents and loved ones. The day on which the oath takes place is considered a day off in the army. Usually, recruits are also given leave for the next two days. Relatives are allowed to take the oath, but be sure to take your passport with you. In some units, however, everything is too strict: only parents and those people who came with them (friends, a soldier’s girlfriend, etc.) can come to the celebration.
Unfortunately, there is one caveat. If the parents did not come to the celebration, then the soldier would not be given leave and he would have to stay on the territory of the unit for two days, which could have been weekends.
Important information
Let's briefly talk about some other aspects that every person should know about. For example, here is a question that interests many: how long does it take to take the oath in the army? Usually within a month, but sometimes it happens earlier. However, before this event takes place, the soldier must complete the so-called young fighter course. This is the very first period of military service. During it, soldiers acquire initial military experience. Recruits must undergo a course of general physical training, study safety precautions, as well as regulations. Soldiers are also trained to fire a machine gun. They often take a professional course in their specialty. For example, an aircraft mechanic, a radar operator, a gunner, a radio operator, etc.
It is interesting that foreigners who enter the RF Armed Forces under a contract are not called to take the oath. That is, they do not take an oath of allegiance to the Russian Federation. They only accept the obligation to comply with the charter of the Constitution, as well as the orders of commanders.
In general, this event is definitely important for every recruit. It is very good that it still has a solemn character even in our days, when they try to reduce everything to formality.
Which is pronounced upon joining the Armed Forces. The tradition of taking an oath also applies to persons taking office as president of the country.
Story
The history of taking the military oath dates back to the 9th century. The first mention of this custom dates back to this century. The first military oaths known to us were given in a solemn atmosphere.
After the baptism of Rus', a tradition appeared, which came from Byzantium, to invite a clergyman to the oath. While pronouncing the text of the military oath, the warrior kissed the cross.
Peter's traditions
Under Peter I, the ritual began to be carried out by unfurling the banner. At the same time, a whole regiment gathered for the military oath. A big role was assigned to leading to it. The atmosphere during the military oath was solemn. It was attended by high authorities and clergy.
The troops arrived in formation, carrying banners in their hands, and the procession was accompanied by orchestral music. The ritual itself was performed by placing the left hand on the gospel, while the right hand was raised up. When the text was read, the man kissed the gospel.
In the Russian Empire
Throughout the entire period of the existence of the Russian Empire, the tradition was carefully observed. The first charter of the imperial army included a military oath of allegiance to friendship and military camaraderie. The official text of this ancient ritual was given there.
With the change of rulers of the country and the political system, the text with oaths of allegiance to the military oath underwent changes. Nevertheless, in any case, the meaning was the same - to defend the interests of one’s state, sparing no sweat and blood.
Acceptance procedure
At the moment, the military oath of the Russian Federation is given near monuments of military glory. This solemn ritual is also carried out in places where heroic battles for the Fatherland took place. The text of the oath has changed significantly over the years. However, its meaning is the same as hundreds of years ago.
The procedure for taking the military oath is specified separately. This is a special ritual that occurs during formation on the parade ground. At the same time, everyone is wearing full dress uniform and holding a weapon. There is an orchestra on the parade ground, the unit's Banner is being carried out. Those being sworn in stand in the first line.
Before the ritual, the unit commander speaks. He gives a speech about the importance of taking the military oath. Sometimes he personally issues weapons to young soldiers. Next, the serviceman is called out of the ranks and reads out the text of the military oath. Then he puts his signature on the document, then returns back to duty.
As soon as the procedure is completed, the unit commander congratulates those who took the oath. The orchestra plays the National Anthem. The army leaves the parade ground to the solemn march. Everyone who took the oath on this day is dismissed on this day.
About the meaning of the oath
It is believed that the words of the oath contain deep meaning. It is short, but, fulfilling his military duty undertaken on this day, the soldier rewrites the pages of his biography. After all, now he has to obediently follow the instructions of the Fatherland. He goes through tests of his own maturity.
Because the text contains a promise to uphold high ideals, every soldier assumes important responsibilities from the moment he takes the oath. The main meaning of his service is hidden in them. It is from this moment that he officially becomes the defender of his country.
Punctual adherence to the words spoken on this day is a law for soldiers. Deviation from it leads to dishonor. In order not to experience its consequences, the soldier carefully follows this word. From the very first days of his service, he complied with the military oath. Violation of obligations, even in small things, leads to damage to combat readiness, the interests of the country and everyone who is dear to the soldier.
Details
If a foreigner enters the service in the Russian Federation, he does not take oaths of allegiance. He only undertakes to comply with the Constitution of the country and follow the demands of his commanders. The cadets take the oath.
At the same time, it must be remembered that the country does not provide for criminal liability for refusal to take an oath. However, refusal to accept it is unacceptable. Every soldier can serve only under oath. If military service contradicts religious beliefs, it is replaced with an alternative civilian one. But a soldier will never serve without taking an oath.
About Jews
An interesting fact is that previously the form of the oath differed depending on the religion of the soldier. Thus, if a Jew entered the service, the oath was taken in accordance with the Charter of Spiritual Affairs of Foreign Confessions.
The oath of office for this category of citizens took place on any day except Saturday and holidays. The ritual was carried out in synagogues and prayer schools. She was received by a rabbi or assistant. The presence of 2 Jewish witnesses was mandatory, if such a possibility existed.
IN THE USSR
Every Soviet citizen took the military oath in the USSR when joining the ranks of the Armed Forces. He promised to follow the requirements of the country's Constitution. The oath taken was law for the soldier. Throughout Soviet history, the text of the oath changed more than once.
About the oath of cadets
Cadets take a separate oath. But you need to know that it is not military. Each cadet corps has its own text of the military oath. The meaning in it is always the same, only the form of its expression is different. Each cadet swears to be diligent in his studies, to follow the requirements of his commanders, and to endure the hardships of life with all the fortitude.
About the changes
The ritual, which had existed for centuries, underwent significant changes under Peter I. Then it was radically improved by Catherine II. Up to this point, the text was handwritten. Already in 1765 the text began to be printed.
Emperor Paul I also made his attempts to change the custom. He changed the status of the banner. Of course, even until this moment the banner was treated with appropriate reverence. But Paul I treated him even more carefully. It was impossible to “leave the banner under threat of death.” In dangerous cases it had to be carefully protected. Each banner had its own expiration date until Paul I, but the emperor introduced the principle of the eternity of banners. A separate provision was introduced on the consecration of new banners and the return of obsolete ones. In addition, they began to leave signatures on each one for their differences in battle.
The banner actually became a shrine on which they began to take oaths, as in the Gospel. This ritual and the special attitude towards the banner were preserved until 1917, when the revolution thundered.
Under Paul I, a deeply meaningful ceremony of “nailing the Banner” appeared. During this process, the banner was nailed to the pole. At the same time, the entire officer corps gathered together with 10 soldiers from each non-commissioned officer. Both princes and commoners took the oath.
The military oath took its final form after the defeat of the Russian Empire in the Crimean War. It was then that many reforms were carried out. The concept of mutual responsibility was removed from the charter. Soldiers had been brought to her before. It should be noted that in the 16th-17th centuries, when such a custom existed, commoners did not end up in the army voluntarily, they were collected “by appointment” - according to official decrees. In order for the archers to join the troops, orders from their comrades were needed. It was they who were recorded in writing - in special documentation, which indicated that the future warrior was suitable for state regiments. Next, these instructions were transferred to the voivodeship office, and the young soldiers took solemn oaths in front of their commanders and guarantors. The reform after the Crimean War introduced the custom of giving an individual primary oath on the cross and the Gospel.
Later, a return was made to the Peter the Great tradition of taking the oath of office in front of the whole company. After the young fighter course, each recruit was sworn to the oath of allegiance under the banners. If the unit did not have banners, the oath was taken at the guns. When recruits first entered the unit, they were called young soldiers. After the oath-taking ritual, they were called privates.
Then, when the revolution took place in 1917, and government became very heterogeneous, military oaths were drawn up by the unit commanders themselves. Everyone's texts were extremely different - each ship, each unit had its own. Only in the spring of 1918 was a single official text of the oath approved for each unit. It was called the "Formula of Solemn Promise." Later, a single day for taking the oath was officially established - May 1. On the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War, Red Army soldiers followed the oath, the text of which was established in 1939.
Conclusion
Thus, the modern military oath has retained many features of different historical eras. It has been improved over many centuries. It has both European and native national characteristics.
Even before joining the army, I heard that the oath is a holiday for every soldier. I heard this more than once during the KMB. But, of course, it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times, and even better to feel it for yourself.
Thorough preparation for the oath, and sometimes with rehearsals, began 7 days in advance, but the density of the army routine did not make it clear what was to come.
We took the oath in the assembly hall of the Air Defense Museum. So, let's get straight to the point.
We go up to the stage, stand in 2 ranks in platoons. They let friends and relatives in. Flashes flew, and it seems there were more of them than at Putin’s conferences. I was struck by the dryness of the army even at such an event: no hints of a beginning and a complete absence of hitches.
As soon as the last person sat down, that’s it, there was a report from the major: “Comrade Colonel, the personnel of the Reinforcement Reception Point have been built for the military oath!” The head of the PPP is Major Rudakov.” Then the command “at attention” - and that’s it, from that moment to the end, both hands are on automatic, the body is motionless, the gaze is slightly upward and into the distance. My mother, brother and aunt are in the hall, but so as not to be distracted, I don’t look for them.
That's it, the oath has begun, one by one they begin to call. And by this moment, for some reason, I was able to feel the importance and responsibility of this day and event. I clung to the machine gun so that there was no chance of tearing it out of my hands, every muscle was tense to the limit so that if you poke it with a needle, it seemed like it would certainly burst. He even clenched his teeth so that his lower jaw almost bit through his upper jaw.
3-4 days earlier, I thought that most likely everyone would speak and read the text of the oath quietly out of excitement, so I determined not to make a mistake. After all, there are three of us reading at the same time (one person from each platoon), so we have to try not to get lost in the general background.
Nerves took their toll, and the boys, apparently without knowing it, muttered to themselves. From the hall I could hear, I think, those who simply had a ringing voice.
I didn't have any overwhelming feelings, just a little nervousness due to the status of the event itself, so I focused on staying calm as I came out and saying the most important words of the day clearly and loudly.
One person, another one and here it is:
- Private Pavlov!
- I! — I shout out with all my heart, letting the accumulated tension release a little.
- To take the military oath to me!
- Eat! - (I go to the table). I pause for half a second, take an imperceptible breath and clearly and loudly: “Comrade Senior Lieutenant Private Pavlov has arrived to take the military oath.”
- Take the military oath!
- Eat! - (I take the folder, turn around, facing the line). I pause again, make sure I remember that I need to take my time, that everything needs to sound firm, and off we go.
“I, Oleg Pavlovich Pavlov, solemnly swear allegiance to my Fatherland - the Russian Federation. I swear to sacredly observe the Constitution of the Russian Federation, strictly comply with the requirements of military regulations, orders of commanders and superiors. I swear to fulfill my military duty with dignity, to courageously defend the freedom, independence and constitutional system of Russia, the people and the Fatherland.”
- Comrade senior lieutenant, private Pavlov took the military oath!
— Congratulations on taking the military oath!
— I serve the Russian Federation!
- Get into formation!
- Eat!
With the realization that I did everything as planned, I return to my place. There was no longer any anxiety, there was no trace of it, only an unshakable stand at attention remained, such that the arm, neck, legs began to go numb, and something even went numb.
I stood and thought that the text of the oath and the oath itself in general for some reason touched me, hooked me and was perceived as somehow special. That for me the words “to fulfill my military duty with dignity” are more than words, that for me this is my own attitude for this year. The moment I took the oath, I began to feel that service was more than just a challenge for me.
This is a test of honesty towards yourself, comrades, the country, a test of fortitude and fortitude, this is an indicator of your courage and readiness to adequately fulfill your duties and tasks, regardless of any reasons, inconveniences, etc. What is especially important is that I never had the position that “if you don’t understand what’s going on in our country, you need to get out of here, it will be better there.”
This is a separate topic, I won’t develop it now, but I will say that I really love my country. I love its nature, I love the recklessness and stupidity of our people, I love the sometimes groundless, but incomparable self-confidence of our people. I don’t even know, I can list a lot, but I don’t consider myself to be some kind of patriot, punching myself in the chest, wearing an “I’m Russian” T-shirt.
No, I really have a lot of things that I like and are close to in our country, because at the moment the anthem was played at the end of the oath, I was literally bursting with pride in myself, for the fact that I can really, in addition to everything, also serve my Motherland. I was overwhelmed and my whole body was covered with goosebumps when I remembered that my grandfather went through the war.
After the oath of office there was dismissal, which I spent not far from the unit with my mother, brother and aunt, sitting at Burger King. I think that in the future I will have more than one conversation about how differently you begin to treat all the little things that exist in civilian life and we don’t even notice them, so I won’t develop this topic now. I will say that I simply enjoyed calm communication with loved ones and attached meaning to every moment.
The oath is a formally defined text of a citizen’s oath, according to which he undertakes the obligations of military service and ensuring defense capability. In most cases, the oath is perceived as a traditional ritual, i.e. an inevitable procedure. However, at the same time, it has a fundamental legal significance - it is from the moment of taking the oath that a citizen acquires the official status of a military personnel. The period of training ends for him, and he is given the opportunity and right to perform military service and fulfill his civic duty. In this regard, the moment of taking the oath is not only a solemn moment, but also the moment of the beginning of military service. The solemnity and tradition of taking the oath suggests the possibility of the presence of close relatives of the conscript at this event. Taking the Military Oath is the most solemn ritual in our army. Like many army traditions, there is an interesting history going back to antiquity. During its existence, the military oath has grown from a folk custom into a legal norm. The custom of taking an oath in Rus' appeared with the birth of the regular army and is inextricably linked with the concepts of military honor, loyalty, valor, and love for the Motherland.
Before a battle with the enemy, Russian soldiers swore an oath to fight for Holy Rus' bravely, selflessly, fearlessly. Loyalty to her was considered sacred. The ritual of taking the oath also had a moral and psychological overtones. In the old days they said: “Keep your oath and you will become a hero.” And indeed, the warrior, who took a sacred oath to the Motherland, did not retreat and did not surrender to the enemy. Violation of the oath was considered a disgrace. During the creation of the regular Russian army by Peter the Great, the adoption of the Military Oath by all soldiers, from private to general, was first enshrined in the Military Regulations. Starting from the era of Peter the Great, the warrior who swore allegiance to Russia promised to faithfully serve the Motherland and the legitimate government. After the October Revolution, the Red Army, and later the Soviet Army, considered taking the Military Oath to be one of the important factors in strengthening the morale of soldiers. The modern Russian army does not deviate from the historically established military traditions of our state. Russian soldiers, like their fathers and grandfathers, entering the military path, also make a solemn promise to faithfully serve their Motherland. The military oath is the basic law of military life. A serviceman who is a citizen of the Russian Federation, who has entered (called up) for military service for the first time, or a citizen who has not undergone military service and has been called up for military training for the first time, is taken to the Military Oath, and a serviceman who is a foreign citizen makes an obligation to the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner military unit.
Upon the citizen’s arrival at the first place of military training - no later than 5 days from the date of arrival at the military unit.
During the period before the time established by the order of the commander of the military unit for taking the Military Oath (taking the obligation), explanatory work is carried out in the units with the military personnel taking the Military Oath (taking the obligation). At the appointed time, the military unit lines up on foot with the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of the military unit and with an orchestra in front, and in wartime - in field uniform with weapons. The formation of a military unit, the meeting of the commander, the removal and carrying of the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner of the military unit are carried out in the manner established by the drill regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the parade review. Military personnel taking the Military Oath (making an obligation) are in the first ranks. The commander of the military unit, in a brief speech, reminds them of the meaning of the Military Oath (obligation) and the honorable and responsible duty that is assigned to military personnel who have taken the Military Oath (obligation) of allegiance to Russia. A soldier who is a citizen who has entered military service for the first time, or a citizen who has not undergone military service and has been called up for military training for the first time, takes the Military Oath in front of the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner of the military unit.
The following text of the Military Oath was approved:
“I, (last name, first name, patronymic), solemnly swear allegiance to my Fatherland - the Russian Federation.
I swear to sacredly observe the Constitution of the Russian Federation, strictly comply with the requirements of military regulations, orders of commanders and superiors.
I swear to fulfill my military duty with dignity, to courageously defend the freedom, independence and constitutional system of Russia, the people and the Fatherland."
A serviceman who is a foreign citizen, who first entered military service in the Russian Federation, gives the following obligation:
“I, (last name, first name, patronymic), give an obligation to comply with the Constitution of the Russian Federation, strictly comply with the requirements of military regulations, orders of commanders and superiors, and fulfill military duty with dignity.”
Taking the Military oath (taking an obligation) is carried out:
Upon arrival of a serviceman to the first place of military service after completing initial military training, the duration of which should not exceed 2 months;
Upon the citizen’s arrival at the first place of military training.
Before taking the Military Oath (obligation):
A serviceman or citizen called up for military training cannot be involved in combat missions (participation in hostilities, combat duty, combat service, guard duty) and tasks when a state of emergency is introduced and in armed conflicts;
A serviceman or citizen called up for military training cannot be assigned weapons and military equipment;
A disciplinary arrest cannot be applied to a serviceman or citizen called up for military training.
After an explanatory speech, the commander of the military unit commands: “At ease” - and orders the unit commanders to begin taking the Military Oath. Commanders of companies and other units take turns calling out military personnel to take the Military Oath. Each serviceman reads the text of the Military Oath aloud before the formation of the unit, after which he personally signs on a special list in the column opposite his last name and takes his place in the formation. At the end of the ceremony, the unit commander congratulates the soldiers on taking the Military Oath, and the orchestra plays the national anthem. After this, the military unit passes through a solemn march. Upon completion of taking the Military Oath (taking the obligation), lists with personal signatures of the military personnel who took the Military Oath (taking the obligation) are handed over by the unit commanders to the commander of the military unit. The commander of the military unit congratulates the soldiers (sailors, cadets, students, those liable for military service) on taking the Military Oath (taking an obligation), and the entire military unit on the new addition, after which the orchestra performs the National Anthem of the Russian Federation. After the performance of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, the military unit marches in a solemn manner in the manner established by the drill regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for a drill review.
During low temperatures or inclement weather, the Oath of Arms (Pledge) may be held indoors. The units disperse to the premises after the commander of the military unit speaks. At the end of taking the Military Oath (obligation), the command units again line up for a solemn march. The day of taking the Military oath (giving an obligation) is a non-working day for a given military unit and is celebrated as a holiday. All military personnel who, for any reason, were not taken the Military Oath on the appointed day (did not take the obligation), are brought to it (bring it) in the following days separately at the headquarters of the military unit under the leadership of the commander of the military unit. The moral, ethical and legal significance that the act of taking the oath has for every serviceman is difficult to overestimate. A serviceman who has not yet taken the Military Oath cannot be appointed to a military position, weapons and military equipment cannot be assigned to him, he cannot be involved in combat missions: participation in hostilities, combat duty, combat and guard duty . Having taken the Military Oath, a serviceman acquires full service rights, but he is also fully assigned service responsibilities.
While preparing material for the next lesson in 11th grade on life safety, in order to diversify the material, I decided to follow the progress of changes in the text of the military oath in Russia since the beginning of the century.
Oath in the Russian Imperial Army
“I, the below-named, promise and swear by Almighty God, before His Holy Gospel, in what I want and owe to HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, my true and natural All-Merciful Great GOVERNOR EMPEROR [Name and Patronymic], Autocrat of All-Russia, and HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY of the All-Russian Throne HEIR, faithfully and unhypocritically serve, not sparing his belly, to the last drop of blood, and all to the High of HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY Autocracy, strength and power belonging to the rights and advantages, legitimized and henceforth legitimized, to the utmost understanding, strength and opportunity, to fulfill.
OF THE IMPERIAL MAJESTY of the state and lands of His enemies, with body and blood, in the field and fortresses, by water and by land, in battles, parties, sieges and assaults and in other military cases, bravely and strongly resist, and try to assist HIS in everything THE IMPERIAL MAJESTY may be concerned with faithful service and the benefit of the state in any case. As for the damage to HIS MAJESTY’s interest, harm and loss, as soon as I learn about it, I will not only announce it in a timely manner, but also by all means avert and not allow it, and I will firmly keep every entrusted secret, and to the superiors assigned over me in everything that is beneficial and will be concerned with the service of the State, properly perform obedience, and correct everything according to his conscience, and for his own self-interest, property, friendship and enmity will not act against the service and oath; I will never leave the command and banner where I belong, even in the field, wagon train or garrison, but I will follow him as long as I live, and in everything I will behave and act as if I were honest, faithful, obedient, brave and efficient ( officer or soldier) must. May the Lord God Almighty help me in this matter. At the conclusion of this oath of mine, I kiss the words and cross of my Savior. Amen."
Oath to the Provisional Government (1917)
“I swear on the honor of an officer (soldier) and promise before God and my conscience to be faithful and invariably devoted to the Russian State, as to my Fatherland. I swear to serve him to the last drop of blood, contributing in every possible way to the glory and prosperity of the Russian State. I undertake to obey the Provisional Government, which now heads the Russian State, until the establishment of a form of government by the will of the people through the Constituent Assembly. I will perform the official duties assigned to me with full effort, having in my thoughts exclusively the benefit of the state and not sparing my life for the good of the Fatherland.
I swear to obey all the superiors placed over me, giving them full obedience in all cases when my duty as an officer (soldier) and citizen to the Fatherland requires it. I swear to be an honest, conscientious, brave officer (soldier) and not to break the oath because of self-interest, kinship, friendship and enmity. At the end of the oath I have taken, I sign myself with the sign of the cross and sign below.”
Military oath of the Red Army (1939-47)
“I, a citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, joining the ranks of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, take the oath and solemnly swear to be an honest, brave, disciplined, vigilant fighter, strictly keep military and state secrets, unquestioningly carry out all military regulations and orders of commanders and commissars and bosses.
I swear to conscientiously study military affairs, to protect military and national property in every possible way, and to be devoted to my people, my Soviet Motherland and the Workers' and Peasants' Government until my last breath.
I am always ready, by order of the Workers' and Peasants' Government, to come out in defense of my Motherland - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and, as a warrior of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, I swear to defend it courageously, skillfully, with dignity and honor, not sparing my blood and life itself for achieving complete victory over enemies.
If, out of malicious intent, I violate this solemn oath of mine, then may I suffer the severe punishment of Soviet law, the general hatred and contempt of the working people.”
OATH IN THE USSR
“I, a citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, joining the ranks of the Armed Forces, take the oath and solemnly swear to be an honest, brave, disciplined, vigilant warrior, strictly keep military and state secrets, unquestioningly carry out all military regulations and orders of commanders and superiors. I swear to conscientiously study military affairs, to protect military and national property in every possible way, and to be devoted to my People, my Soviet Motherland and the Soviet Government until my last breath. I am always ready, by order of the Soviet Government, to defend my Motherland - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and, as a warrior of the Armed Forces, I swear to defend it courageously, skillfully, with dignity and honor, not sparing my blood and life itself to achieve complete victory over the enemies . If I violate this solemn oath of mine, then may I suffer the severe punishment of Soviet law, the universal hatred and contempt of my comrades.”
“I, (last name, first name, patronymic), enter military service and swear allegiance to the Russian Federation and its people. I swear to comply with the Constitution and laws of the Russian Federation, to fulfill the requirements of military regulations, orders of commanders and superiors, and the duties legally assigned to me. I swear, while in military service, to be honest, conscientious, and to endure the difficulties associated with it with dignity. Courageously, without sparing your life, defend the people and state interests of the Russian Federation. I swear not to use weapons against my people and the authorities legally elected by them. I undertake to perform military service anywhere on the territory of the Russian Federation and to comply with the laws of the state in whose territory I will perform military service.
If I violate the Military Oath I took, then I am ready to bear the responsibility established by the laws of the Russian Federation.”
“I, (last name, first name, patronymic), solemnly swear allegiance to my Fatherland - the Russian Federation. I swear to sacredly observe the Constitution of the Russian Federation, strictly comply with the requirements of military regulations, orders of commanders and superiors.
I swear to fulfill my military duty with dignity, to courageously defend the freedom, independence and constitutional system of Russia, the people and the Fatherland!”
Author Alexey Sizov