AMERICAN CODE

ENLISTMENT

First Oath Of Enlistment

14 June 1775

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men of the Continental Army. The first oath, voted on 14 June 1775, was part of the act creating the Continental Army. It read:

I (NAME) have, this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged: And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as are, or shall be, established for the government of the said Army.

INDEPENDENCE

4 JULY 1776

The Oath Of Enlistment is 386 Days Older

Than The Birth Of Our Country.

Second Continental Congress

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES Authority: Title 10, USC 113b, 133(b); DOD Directive 1005.8 dated 31 OCT 1977, certified as current on 21 NOV 2003 until further notice FOR USE WHEN IN PARADE OR INSPECTION FORMATION AND FOR DISPLAY OF FLAGS, SEALS, EMBLEMS, INSIGNIA, ETC.

The Navy observes its official birthday on 13 October 1775 and the Marine Corps observes its official birthday on 10 November 1775.

The Marine Corps is officially recognized as part of the Department of the Navy. However it has precedence over the Navy in official formations and when their respective flags, seals, emblems, insignia, etc. are displayed.

The Continental Congress officially authorized the already-existing standing Army in June, 1775. The Marine Corps was officially established on 10 November 1775, even though it was actually a force in readiness before the Army or the Navy.

The first Captain of Marines was commissioned on 28 November 1775. Congress officially authorized the Navy by resolution in October 1775, however, the first commander-in-chief of the Navy was not commissioned until 22 December 1775. The process of procuring and outfitting ships and enlisting and commissioning personnel followed thereafter.

The U.S. Air Force has precedence over the U.S. Coast Guard, even though it was officially formed after the Coast Guard was authorized, because it was originally part of the U.S. Army and known as the U.S. Army Air Corps.

AMERICAN CODE

ENLISTMENT

First Oath Of Enlistment

INDEPENDENCE

I

14 June 1775

II

10 November 1775

III

13 October 1775

IV

18 September 1947

V

28 January 1915

VI

20 December 2019

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

National League of Families POW/MIA flag

1971