James George
US Government
21 November 2025
My Oath to the Constitution
When I swore my oath as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, it was to uphold the Constitution. It began as an “Oath of Enlistment.”
“The Oath of Enlistment is a promise service members make to the U.S. government, vowing to support and defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance to it, and obey the orders of the President and their appointed officers. This solemn and formal ceremony is a fundamental part of joining the military, signifying a commitment to upholding the nation's values. It can be reaffirmed during promotions or reenlistments and is administered by a commissioned officer or other designated personnel. “ Google AI Overview
My enlistment began in 1968 when there were protests against the war in Vietnam. I opposed the war, though I knew that Congress had voted to support and fund it. Lyndon Johnson was our President, and I believed he wanted to end the war as soon as possible, when and if he could find the way.
I served under President Nixon, and he ended the war “with peace and honour.” There were times during that period when I questioned the legality of my orders. For instance, after the Kent State University tragedy, I was wholly aware of my responsibility as an officer not to arm my platoon with bullets and I used rubber bullets and bean bags as non-lethal alternatives.
Even then, I was careful not to step over the boundary of local police authority when dealing with engaging rioting students at the Ohio State University, where I also attended as a student.
I was a training officer who instructed in riot duty operations, which included anti-discrimination policy. After that six-year experience, I was forever aware of the oath to the Constitution and to following lawful orders.
It was not inconceivable for Presidents to issue unlawful orders.
“Yes, presidents have issued unlawful orders, and some executive orders have been challenged in court and struck down as exceeding presidential authority or violating the Constitution. Historical examples include Abraham Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War and FDR's order to intern Japanese Americans, both of which were later deemed to be beyond presidential power or unconstitutional. Recent examples involve President Trump's orders regarding immigration, troop deployments, and the freezing of federal funds, which have also faced legal challenges and been declared unlawful by some observers and courts. “ Google AI Overview
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