1. The Profession of Arms 1

2. Overview The Nature of the Military Profession Officership Commitment23

3. SOBs Cognitive Samples of Behavior:
Explain what constitutes a profession.
Describe the three overarching characteristics necessary for the development of the military profession according to Samuel P. Huntington.
Differentiate between an institution and an occupation.
Explain why the United States has its officers take an oath to support and defend the Constitution.
Explain the country’s expectations of its officers.

4. Nature of the Military Profession
Profession: A vocation or occupation characterized by special knowledge and skills applied and dedicated to the improvement of society.
Some basic requirements are:
Ethical Behavior
Preparation through training & education
Continued development
Dedication to public service above personal achievement 5

5. Nature of the Military Profession
Preserve the Peace
Support National Policy
Implement National Objectives
Overcome any nation responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States
According to Samuel P. Huntington:
Expertise, Responsibility, Corporateness 5

6. Nature of the Military Profession
Expertise
Technical Knowledge
Theoretical Knowledge
Broad Liberal Knowledge 5

7. Nature of the Military Profession
Responsibility to
The US Constitution
Maintain High Standards
Serve the American People 5

8. Nature of the Military Profession
Corporateness
Autonomous social unit
Education and training
Internal promotions and discipline
Promoting the growth of professional knowledge 5

9. Is the Military a Profession?
Two-Fold Responsibility to the State
Expertise
Execute the will of the State
Defending the Nation 5

10. Officership Country’s Expectations of Officers Patriotism Honor
Integrity
Loyalty to service above all else
Competence
Self-sacrifice 5

11. US Oath of Office
I, (state your full name), having been appointed a second lieutenant, in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God. 5

12. Nazi Germany Oath of Office
I swear by God this sacred oath, that I will render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Fuehrer of the German Reich and people, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and will be ready as a brave soldier to risk my life at any time for this oath. 5

13. Former U.S.S.R. Oath of Office
I, citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, joining the ranks of the Armed Forces, take the oath and solemnly pledge to observe military and state secrets, to observe the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws, unquestioningly to carry out the requirements of all military regulations and orders of commanders and superiors. I pledge conscientiously to study military science, to preserve in every way military and public property and to remain devoted till my last breath to my people, my Soviet homeland, and the Soviet government. 5

14. Former U.S.S.R. Oath of Office
I am prepared at all times, on orders from the government, to come out in defense of my homeland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. I pledge to defend it courageously, skillfully, with dignity and honor, without sparing my blood and life in securing complete victory over the enemies. If I break this solemn vow, may I be severely punished by the Soviet people, universally hated, and despised by the working people. 5

15. Summary The Nature of the Military Profession Officership Commitment23

16. The Profession of Arms 1