My Veteran Career

My Veteran Career

 

My life as a veteran began back in July of 1968 I enlisted in the United States Navy after receiving my draft notice. Off to Pittsburgh Pa. where I got sworn in by taking this oath. Back in 1968 I raised my right hand and took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It went something like this,

 

The Oath of enlistment is something that every service member must promise and adhere to for his/her entire military career. From the Oath, you can see that you will be defending the Constitution - not a person. Discipline and accepting orders is sworn to. Finally, you vow to face the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) should any disputes arise.                               

 

The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):

 

 "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.

 

“The Oath of Office (for officers):

 

 "I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the _____ (Military Branch) 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 or 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."

 

Before you raise your right hand, make sure you understand what you are swearing or attesting to.  The oath of enlistment should not be taken lightly; you will be bound by it for the next 4 to 6 years at a minimum.

 

Then I boarded a plane, and off to the United States Navy boot camp Great lakes in Chicago. After graduation from Navy boot camp, I was given my orders and sent home on a 30-day leave.

 

Then it was off to the Navy on preferred sea duty. It means I was stationed at   Fort Monroe? TRADOC was headquartered at the fort from 1973 until it was moved to Fort Eustis in 2011. Fort Monroe was deactivated on September 15, 2011, and many of its functions were transferred to nearby Fort Eustis. United States Army base in Fort Monroe VA.  And ever wear the Navy preferred me to be they sent by way of an Air force plane. Just a little background here I enlisted in U.S. Navy to make it my career for life because I wanted to become the best of the best. The United States Navy Seals but it did not work out that way. I only lasted 19 months 28 and 1/2 days in the navy but who was counting.