But
please relax everybody , just relax ,
warm out here . Good morning .
It is indeed an honor to be here with
all of you today . Delighted to be
able to administer the oath of
enlistment . The newest members of our
all volunteer force . This is one
of one of the best parts of my job .
And so this is really a delight for me
today . It's great to see so many
family and friends here today and thank
you for your support and thank you for
what you've done to shape such fine men
and women . This is a big
day for the young people standing in
front of me . You arrived here as
individuals , but you're going to leave
here as part of a team is also a
big week for our military and for
America , not only are we here
one day after celebrating our
independence , but 50 years ago , this
week , the United States stopped
drafting citizens into service and
turned instead to an all volunteer
force . And ever since then , Americans ,
like you have joined our military out
of conviction and not out of compulsion .
Now , shifting over to an all volunteer
force was a pretty bold step ,
no other military with such formidable
capabilities had operated on a
volunteer basis . But the whole world
has seen the results . You know , I
joined the army just two years after
the draft ended in 1973 . And I've
watched over the decades as the US
military has grown into the outstanding
and incredibly professional fighting
force that it is today . America's all
volunteer force is the strongest
military in human history .
And the power of today's military is a
testament to every American patriot who
freely volunteers to keep our republic
safe . And that means you ,
we rely on you . Our
democracy relies on you
and your country relies on you .
And so you're here to become part of
something bigger than yourselves and to
defend our values , our freedoms and
our constitution . But you'll also find
unparalleled opportunities to grow and
to lead , you'll work hard ,
you'll learn new skills and you'll put
them to use at home and abroad
and you'll learn that success is a team
sport . You'll stand proud
alongside outstanding teammates from
all walks of life and you'll work
and train and fight together as
soldiers and sailors , airmen and
marines and guardians . And so as
you raise your hand and take the oath
today , you are joining an unbroken
line of patriots that stretches back
to America's founding
and you're here to do your part in
return the Department of Defense has
your back . The United States has a
sacred obligation to take care of
everyone who volunteers to wear the
cloth of our nation as well as your
families . And we commit ourselves to
take care of you just as you are
committing yourselves to take care of
all of us .
Now , you might not know this , but I
did a brief 41 year tour in the
military . 41 years ,
thought about making it a career . Just
kidding . But I served 41 years in the
military . So I know firsthand the
importance of the decision that you're
making today and whether your journey
lasts for one term or for a full career .
I want you to know how proud we are of
you . And I'm confident that you'll
rise to the challenges of our time and
lead with character .
Thank you for answering the call to
serve this great country .
So let's make it official with the oath
of enlistment . I would ask you all to
come to the position of attention and
raise your right hand and repeat after
me . I state your full name .
Wow , you solemnly swear
that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States ,
the United States against all enemies ,
foreign and domestic . And I will bear
true faith and allegiance to the same
and I will obey the orders of the
President of the United States
and the orders of the officers
appointed over me
according to the regulations and the
uniform code of military justice .
So help me God ,
you can put your hands down now .
Congratulations . Let's give these
welcome to the greatest team in the
world . We are absolutely thrilled to
call you our teammates and have you in
our ranks and I wish all of you good
luck and I'm sure that there are some
future sergeants , majors and general
officers in this crowd . I look forward
to seeing you climb rapidly to the top .
Thank you very much .
Just stay here . Stay good . So .
Ok . Ok . His name , take a
picture .
You back
air in the event are legit now .
Congratulations . Yeah .
Right , right in here .
The camera that ok .
Ok .
Here we go . Ok . All right . I see it
right now .
Course .