U.S. Army Recruiting Companies Hold Mass Swearing-In Ceremony at Arkansas State Capital

Photo By Amber Osei | U.S. Army Recruiters from the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion – Oklahoma City, Army Recruiting Companies Little Rock, Fort Smith and Texarkana, Arkansas host a swearing-in ceremony for over 40 of Arkansas’ Future Soldiers at the Arkansas State Capital Building in Little Rock, Arkansas.  

LITTLE ROCK, AR, UNITED STATES

12.10.2019

Story by Amber Osei 

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion - Oklahoma City

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – U.S. Army Recruiters from the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion – Oklahoma City, Army Recruiting Companies Little Rock, Fort Smith and Texarkana, Arkansas host a swearing-in ceremony for over 60 of Arkansas’ Future Soldiers at the Arkansas State Capital Building in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Administered by Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin of Arkansas, the Oath of Enlistment is a time-honored tradition for all entering into any branch of the United States military. Lt. Gov. Griffin, whom is also a Col. in the U.S. Army Reserves asks the U.S. Army Future Soldiers to raise their right hands and repeat the revered words, “I (state your name) do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United Sates against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”
The event aims at highlighting the dedication and willingness of these Future Soldiers in stepping forward to serve their country. The commitment to the United States of America, the President and the oath of adhering to all it encompasses, is one that takes true patriotism and courage from any civilian willing.
“I moved to Arkansas for a new start, to be focused, and start a new career. I originally wanted to join the military out of high school, but then I got a full ride Scholarship to Southwest Baptist University” U.S. Army Spc. Julian Shade, Future Soldier originally from Dallas, Texas said. “I graduated college moved out here and then decided that using my college was just the beginning of a good opportunity to serve my country. I will drop my officer packet as soon as I get done with Advanced Individual Training (AIT) school for Psychological Operations Specialist”
A swearing-in ceremony of this magnitude is a first for the recruiting companies and stations in Arkansas that make up the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion.
“With the holiday season in full-swing this event is a great reminder of the many freedoms we have as Americans, because men and women raised their right hand and took the oath to join the US Armed Forces,” Lt. Col. John Garcia, Battalion Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion – Oklahoma City said. “Our recruiters work tirelessly to recruit only the best and most qualified candidates to join the U.S. Army and they do it with honor and integrity.”

• Date Taken: 12.10.2019
• Date Posted: 12.11.2019 00:03
• Story ID: 355164
• Location: LITTLE ROCK, AR, US