Oath of Office

A

Army2USNA

New Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2019
Messages
8
Are there any disadvantages to having a personal swearing in on IDay, other than less time to grab a quick bite to eat and say our goodbyes?
 
I think you nailed it. As a reminder, you can really do the personal swearing in anywhere on the yard. Doing it in Memorial Hall is nice for photos, but often very crowded.
 
Suggest asking your plebe to be if he/she really wants to do it. Remember, your plebe gets about 30 minutes to relax with you prior to marching back into the Hall. How do you and your plebe want to spend that time? If your plebe would be very happy, excited, honored to have a personal swearing in, absolutely go for it. But remember, your plebe will be hot, sweaty, tired, head shaved (males), no makeup (females), BCGs (geek glasses), etc. Thus, the pix that sound so special to you may be something your plebe never wants to see again (or not for a very long time).

NOT saying you shouldn't do it. Just consider who wants it and why.
 
My DS asked me if I wanted to do the Oath of Office ceremony. I said not really, but if it's important to you, we can. He said no, but he wanted to check with me first. I told him that I-Day had nothing to do with me.
Clearly, it was about making sure his mother didn't implode. ;)

I was very impressed with his attitude (for what little time we spent with him) that day. He was all about reassuring his mother that everything would be fine. She needed that, and it clearly took his mind off the stress of it all. She was nervous and he and I were just smiling.
 
Last edited:
Our DS was working on his PTR packet, and once he read the personal oath information, said “hey, mom, do you think uncle XXX would want to do a personal swearing in?” He called him, and he absolutely was honored to do so.

After his USNA oath, we had decided to meet at the gazebo near the chapel for our time together. We took 10 steps, and uncle XXX and my
Plebe did an personal oath on the steps of the chapel. Of course taped by me, with the beautiful chapel doors in the background. Very cool, very moving, took 2 min’s. We are all very glad they did it , and it took no effort (would not, however, spend time walking to memorial hall, fighting crowds. If you do this, find your own meaningful place. For us it was the chapel...).

Side note: don’t forget to bring the oath to read. No memorization required.

Seriously, one of my most treasured things from that day. But like everything, it’s a personal choice. Point is, you won’t feel odd, or out of place, doing it anywhere. It’s very informal. I’m not sure why they even inquire if a Plebe is choosing to do this. There is no check in or anything.
 
DS's grandfather administered his personal oath outside next to the Macedonian Monument. It probably took about 5 min max (would've been quicker, but the first location chosen was a tad crowded). DS was happy to have his grandfather do it, and my father was absolutely honored to be a part of it. It seemed rushed and quite hectic at the time, but it was so quick, it wasn't a big deal. Afterwards, we all agreed that it was an awesome idea and were very glad we did it. I actually took the picture of the two of them and had someone create a canvas painting (watercolor) of the photo. I gave my dad the painting for Christmas. He was floored. I'd highly recommend the personal oath as long as DS/DD are on board. They'll appreciate it later.
 
As a USMA grad and father of a 2023 USNA appointee, I definitely advise a personal swearing in as long as he/she wants it. It’s a great memory for a lifetime. I’d recommend personalizing all applicable ceremonies. And kudos to Justdoit19 for the great water color canvas idea!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top