Air Force Academy Says "So Help Me God" Will Be Optional In Cadet Honor Oath

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Cadet Honor Oath is administered to all the cadets when they are formally accepted into the wing at the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training. The Honor Oath reads:

We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and to live honorably, so help me God.

The U.S. Air Force Academy announced yesterday that it is making the final clause of the Oath optional, "in the spirit of determining a way ahead that enables all to be true to their beliefs."  As reported by CNN, the change was made after a complaint was filed by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.

When the Honor Oath was instituted, its last clause was patterned on the same clause in the Commissioning Oath.  In August, the Air Force revised it policies so that officer trainees now have the option of taking a secular Commissioning Oath. (See prior posting.)