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15. a. Every man who enters the Army of the United States, whether through voluntary enlistment or operation of the Selective Service Law, accepts certain solemn obligations. These obligations require that he bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America; that he serve them faithfully against all their enemies; and that he will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over him (the soldier) according to the rules and Articles of War.

Your legal status has changed from that of a civilian to that of a soldier. You have become subject to military law and cannot again become a civilian until you receive your discharge by proper authority. As a civilian you could quit your job and se other employment at will. As as soldier you have given up that privilege during the period of your service. During your off-duty hours as a civilian you could go when and where you pleased without asking permission from anyone. As a soldier you must first get permission before leaving your proper station.

b. The reasons for these differences in your status as a civilian and as as soldier are important but easy to understand. The military organization to which you now belong is a team that must be constantly trained and ready for duty in any emergency. If its members could go and come whenever they cared to there would be no assurance that this military team would be on hand when needed.

16. As a soldier, then, you must keep in mind and faithfully fulfill your obligations. If you do so you will find the service pleasant and profitable, and you will leave it as a veteran with a clean record which will entitle you to the benefits accorded by law to an honorably discharged ex-serviceman. Soldiers who constantly fail to fulfill these obligations are likely, sooner or later, to get into trouble, to lose the respect and regard of their comrades, to suffer punishments, and perhaps, finally to return to civil life dishonored and disqualified for any of the benefits with which the Government rewards honorable and faithful service.

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