Summary

Creates an optional statutory “separation oath” that members of the Armed Forces may choose to take before retirement or other separation (excluding separations ordered as part of a court-martial). The legislation amends 10 U.S.C. §502 to add the oath text, references the existing enlistment oath as the oath established by the section, and updates the section heading and table entry to reflect both enlistment and separation oaths. It does not create new funding, reporting, or regulatory deadlines.

Key Points

• Adds a voluntary separation oath for service members before retirement or separation.
• Amends 10 U.S.C. §502 to include the new oath text and to reference the existing enlistment oath.
• Excludes separations that are the result of court-martial sentences from taking the separation oath.
• Applies to all six uniformed services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
• Does not create new funding, reporting, or regulatory deadlines—administrative adoption is left to the services.
• Changes the section heading and Title 10 table entry to reflect both enlistment and separation oaths.
• The oath is optional; service members cannot be compelled by this statute to take it.
• Implementation will likely require minor administrative updates (forms, ceremony guidance) but no statutory implementation plan.

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