COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Air Force Academy cadets will no longer be required to include the words “so help me God” when taking their annual Honor Oath.
On Oct. 25, officials at the Colorado Springs, Colo., campus announced its 4,000 current cadets would be allowed to opt out of the final phrase of their honor code.
“We work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, Airmen and civilian Airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference — or not,” said Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, the academy’s superintendent.
The current 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.”
Honor oaths at other U.S. military academies do not include the word “God.”
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