Air Force Agrees That Officers May Take Secular Version of Commissioning Oath

The American Humanist Association reports today that the U.S. Air Force has responded positively to its letter complaining on behalf of an Officer Trainee about Air Force Form 133 (Oath of Office).  The oath of office on the form (while allowing the individual signing it to "affirm" rather than "swear") ends with the phrase "so help me God." AHA's letter, complaining on constitutional grounds, was sent on behalf of an officer trainee who was required by his flight commander to sign the oath, even though the theistic reference violates his beliefs. The Officer Trainee was also told he would be required to take an identical verbal oath.  Air Force officials, admitting their mistake and apologizing, now assure AHA that the Officer Trainee will be permitted to take a secular version of the verbal oath that is administered, and will be allowed to revise the written version he signed. Other members of the graduating class are also being advised of the secular option.