Enlistment Oath

New enlistee Zachary A. Zarbos repeats the enlistment oath from Col. Scott L. Kelly, commander of the 175th Wing Maryland Air National Guard, at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, MD. Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath. The oath of enlistment into the United States Armed Forces is administered by any commissioned officer to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. The officer asks the person, or persons, to raise their right hand and repeat the oath after him. The oath is traditionally performed in front of the United States Flag and other flags, such as the state flag, military branch flag, and unit guidon may be present. John enlisted into the Maryland Air Guard for six years as a Munition Specialist. Col Kelly had referred Zachary and John Weinhold to the guard under the referral program. Air National Guard Referral Rewards Program is a voluntary recruitment referral program where members who successfully help recruit a new member are rewarded with incentives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ed Bard/RELEASED)