I just received this about an hour ago. In violation of the establishment clause of the US Constitution the US Air Force is making official policy forcing religion on their cadets.

Here’s the email:

US Air Force Academy forcing cadets to say “so help me god” to get commissioned!! …..”The words in the Oath of Office MUST be said in order for your Commissioning to be legal.”

From: Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X MSgt USAF USAFA CW/CS21

Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 10:45 AM

To: CS21_C14_ALL; CS21_C15_All; CS21_C16_All; CS21_C17_ALL

Cc: Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx x Maj USAF USAFA USAFA CG3/CS21; Xxxxxxxx xxx, Xxxxxxx x Maj USAF USAFA CW/CS27

Subject: INFO: Change to Oath of Office (Optional “So Help Me, God.”

Soon-to-be-Lieutenants,

Bottom Line: Don’t expect to have any words changed in the near future.

You may remember seeing guidance regarding another Commissioning Source out of Maxwell AFB and an Airman challenging the last sentence in the Officer’s Oath of Office (“So Help Me, God.”). The Airman was allowed to omit the this statement. I engaged Cadet Personnel earlier this semester regarding this possible change for those who would prefer to omit this verbiage as well (both verbally and on the Form 103 – your Commissioning documentation — where the Oath is written and your signature is required). They had received no specific guidance. I also questioned the Chaplain Corps who also had received no specific guidance. Today, I spoke with the JAG and have the following information update:

The Air Force has since rescinded the guidance of omission. The Oath of Office is governed by Congressional Oversight. The words in the Oath of Office MUST be said in order for your Commissioning to be legal. Legislation is addressing the possibility of change however, due to other business priorities, who knows when this will be looked at again. If you are passionate about changing this legislation I encourage you to contact your Congressional Representatives and let them know how you feel. If you’d like to discuss this topic further I’m always here.

~MSgt Xxxxxx

MSgt Xxxxxxx x Xxxxxx

Description: cid:image002.jpg@01CAFF32.CF5C97C0

Blackjacks 21 AMT

Comm: xxx-xxxx

Cell: xxx-xxx-xxxx