Q. Oath

A matriculation promise has been required of all cadets since 1843. It is known as,and has always been called a "promise" since it does not call upon something or someone that the prospective cadet considers sacred as a witness to the binding nature of the promise or the truth of the statement of fact. The wording has changed slightly over the years, but remains one of those traditions connecting present day cadets with those who have gone before.

The Matriculation Promise circa 1843-1865

“I hereby engage to serve as a State Cadet for the term of four years, and promise, on honor, to obey all legal orders of the constituted authorities of the Academy, and to discharge the duties as cadet with regularity and fidelity while I continue a member thereof.”

The Matriculation Promise circa 1891

“I hereby engage to serve as a Cadet in the South Carolina Military Academy until graduation or until I shall be regularly discharged by the proper authority- and I promise on honor to obey all legal orders of the constituted authorities thereof, and discharge the duties of a Cadet with regularity and fidelity, while I continue a member thereof. And I further promise that I will not, while a Cadet, become a member of any secret society or organization existing in or outside the Academy, or attend any meeting thereof.

The Matriculation Promise circa 1916

“I hereby engage to serve as a cadet in the Citadel, The Military college of South Carolina until graduation or until I shall be discharged by proper authority, and I promise to support loyally the constituted authorities thereof while I remain a member of the Corps of Cadets.”

The Matriculation Promise circa 2008

I hereby engage to serve as a cadet in The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, until graduation or until I shall be discharged by proper authority; and I promise to support loyally the constituted authorities thereof as long as I remain a member of the Corps of Cadets. I further promise that I will never bring discredit on The Citadel or the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. I certify that I am not married. I further certify that I have no childcare responsibilities for any minor child related to me by blood or marriage.

The Matriculation Promise circa 2010

I hereby engage to serve as a cadet in The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, until graduation or until I shall be discharged by proper authority; and I promise to support loyally the constituted authorities thereof as long as I remain a member of the Corps of Cadets. I will remain loyal to the ideals, values, and goals of The Citadel. I further promise that I will never bring discredit on The Citadel or the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.

Fourth Class Oath circa 1978?: RC: "All Members of the Class of 19-- raise your right hand and repeat after me: I, your name, hereby engage to serve as a cadet in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Military College of South Carolina until graduation, or until I shall be discharged by proper authority. I do further solemnly affirm that I will support and comply with the regulations of the college and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, and to support loyally the constituted authorities of the college. I take this obligation both to myself and The Citadel without any mental reservation." (Source: T. F. Spearman)