According to the Oath, you will obey the orders of whom?

• A. The Constitution
• B. The President
• C. The President and Officers Appointed Over Me, According to Regulations and the UCMJ
• D. The People

Answer: (C)

The moment you take that oath, you’re committing to follow the President and the officers appointed over you, but only within the rules that govern the military. The President acts as Commander in Chief, and those in your chain of command give orders you are expected to carry out. The phrase “according to regulations and the UCMJ” is crucial—it means you follow lawful orders that are issued within the military’s legal framework. This keeps order and discipline intact while ensuring you’re acting under proper authority. While defending the Constitution is the broader purpose of the oath, the explicit instruction about obedience is to the President and your superiors in accordance with regulations and the UCMJ.