In April 2022, I re-enlisted in the Air National Guard after a 12-year break in service. Having first taken the oath of enlistment at age 17 with the Air Force Reserve, I approached it this time with a deeper appreciation for its weight: to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
Three years have passed since that moment, and recent events have revealed something troubling: many service members either misunderstand this oath or treat it as a hollow formality. Following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, I have witnessed service members praise that act of cowardice and terrorism. But our oath is no mere ceremony. It must be the foundation of our duty, our professionalism, and our warrior ethos.
Military service members who glorify the killing of innocent Americans must be removed from our ranks.
The Air Force Enlisted Force Structure (AFEFS) and the Airman’s Manual both emphasize the gravity of serving in the Profession of Arms. As airmen, we are not simply employees—we are warriors “called to defend our nation against all threats.” That calling carries immense responsibility, for the security of our nation and the lives of countless civilians who depend on our commitment. The AFEFS reminds us that “We must maintain the public’s trust by adhering to high ethical standards, demonstrating competence, and reinforcing that we are responsible stewards of our nation’s defense.” This trust and this mission are not abstract ideals—they are embedded in the oath every service member takes.
The warrior ethos is what transforms the oath from words into action. The Airman’s Manual defines it as a mindset of courage, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to the mission. It demands that we approach every task—whether on the battlefield, in the hangar, or behind a computer—with the heart of a warrior who refuses to quit.
The warrior ethos is not about unbridled aggression. It is about discipline, moral courage, and the willingness to place the nation and fellow airmen above self. Without it, the oath becomes empty. With it, the oath becomes a living promise carried out in every decision we make as airmen.
The warrior ethos rests on the foundation of personal virtue. Whether shaped by a religious upbringing with a concept of moral virtue or not, any individual willing to cultivate courage, discipline, and dedication can embody this ethos. The oath of enlistment is the moment when a service member commits to live by these values, pledging his life and loyalty to the nation.
Celebrating the public murder of a political activist is a direct violation of our oath. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, there is no justification for applauding such an act, especially not by someone in uniform. This behavior is the exact opposite of what it means to support and defend the Constitution.
I urge my brothers and sisters in arms to revisit and reread their oath of enlistment. Reflect deeply on the meaning of its words, and remember that the uniform you wear, whether guard, reserve, or active, represents a commitment to the warrior ethos, a standard to uphold each day of your service.
Living up to the oath is not easy. It requires courage, discipline, and integrity every day, in every decision. But this is what separates a civilian from a warrior, a mere employee from a professional. The oath is not just a promise to the Constitution—it is a promise to every American who counts on us to uphold their freedoms, even when no one is watching.
Let us wear the uniform and live the oath with honor every day.