The ritual of taking the oath is regulated by a special Regulation on the military oath. In accordance with it, the order of actions of recruits takes place, lists are prepared, a parade ground is drawn up.
The oath is an oath promise of devotion and readiness to serve faithfully until the end of his life for the good of the Motherland. Each soldier undergoes this ceremony, after which he is a full defender of the state. However, one can swear not only to be loyal to the Fatherland, but also to some cult hypostases: God, art, principles and deeds that are significant for a person, profession.
What is the military oath for?
Previously, joining the armed squad protecting the state from enemies was given in the presence of a prince and a priest. The mention of such rituals in Russia refers to the earliest times of the formation of the state. Before the oath, the future fighter was tested for endurance and physical fitness.
Today, the taking of the military oath is one of the obligatory celebrations in the Armed Forces of Russia. The essence of the oath has not changed over the centuries: it is a promise to stand up to defend the Fatherland in the event of a threat to its existence. It is important to understand that the oath ceremony implies the adoption of a moral and ethical principle characteristic of military service: loyalty to the Motherland is more important than one's own interests and life. After completing the ritual, the warrior is responsible for failing to fulfill his obligations.
How does the military oath ceremony take place?
The celebration is regulated by the Regulations on the military oath, which details the sequence of each action. The readable text is the same for any paramilitary unit. Before being accepted, the recruit gets acquainted with the basics of the service, educational and explanatory work is carried out with him about the goals and significance of the upcoming event.
On the appointed day, the future defenders of the Fatherland line up on the parade ground of a military unit with the State Flag of Russia, the Battle Banner of the unit, in the presence of an orchestra. The uniform and the order of formation are determined by the commander of the military formation. He is also the first to appear in front of the line of soldiers and officers. He delivers an opening speech explaining the importance of the upcoming celebration, the meaning of the oath and what changes will follow in the status of a new recruit after its adoption.
According to the model established by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, lists of those taking part in the oath are prepared. The soldiers are summoned in turn and read out its text before the formation. Then the soldier signs on a form with a list of recruits of his military unit and takes a place in the ranks. When the text of the oath is read by all soldiers, the commander delivers a congratulatory speech. Then the orchestra sings the National Anthem. Further, the formation of soldiers marches in a solemn march and returns to the barracks.
