Eleanor Finch
The CIA does indeed swear an oath to the constitution, and it reads:
> I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
This oath is similar to that taken by members of the United States Air Force and other federal employees, with slight variations. The CIA oath has been in place since at least 1868, when it was simplified from an earlier version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CIA Oath | "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." |
| First Oath | Given to those serving under the Continental Army in 1775 |
| First Oath Requirements | Name the 13 states and swear to keep them "free, independent and sovereign states and declare no allegiance to George the third, king of Great Britain" |
| First Oath Swear | Defend the United States against King George, his heirs, successors, and abettors, assistants, and adherents |
| Oath Update | September 1776, after the Declaration of Independence |
| Oath Update Requirements | Swear to be "true to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies opposers whatsoever; and to observe and obey the orders of the Continental Congress and the orders of the Generals and officers set over me by them" |
| 1789 Oath Update | Place allegiance to the Constitution of the United States at the beginning of the oath |
| 1860s Oath Update | Reference to "all enemies, foreign and domestic," added; "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion" added |
| 1868 Oath Update | Simplified to: "I, A.B., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." |
| Civil War Oath | Required civilian and military officials to swear or affirm that they had never aided or encouraged “persons engaged in armed hostility” against the United States |
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What You'll Learn
The CIA oath
> "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
Over time, the CIA oath has evolved to reflect the changing political landscape of the United States, such as the addition of the phrase "all enemies, foreign and domestic" during the American Civil War to address Confederate sympathizers. The CIA oath, like other federal oaths, emphasizes the importance of upholding the Constitution and protecting the nation from both external and internal threats. It serves as a reminder of the duty and responsibility that comes with serving in a federal agency.
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Defending the Constitution
"I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
The CIA oath's reference to defending the Constitution is similar to the oath taken by officers of the United States Air Force and the National Guard of various states. This similarity underscores the importance of upholding the foundational principles of the nation.
The inclusion of "all enemies, foreign and domestic" in the CIA oath is a significant element. It acknowledges the potential threats posed by both external and internal forces. This phrase was added during the American Civil War, reflecting the need to address Confederate sympathizers and the shifting loyalties within the nation.
The CIA oath also emphasizes the individual's voluntary acceptance of the obligation. By stating that they take the oath "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion", CIA officers affirm their wholehearted commitment to defending the Constitution. This aspect of the oath reinforces the idea that the defence of the Constitution is a duty willingly undertaken, not merely a legal requirement.
Additionally, the CIA oath aligns with the broader context of oaths of office in the United States. Since 1789, the First Congress adopted a simple oath affirming support for the Constitution. Over time, this oath has evolved, especially during periods of national conflict, to address shifting loyalties and ensure allegiance to the nation's founding document. The CIA oath, therefore, fits within this tradition of defending the Constitution and adapting to the changing needs of the country.
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Federal employee roles
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a federal agency and its employees swear an oath to the Constitution. The CIA's website provides information on careers and internships, and it is known that the agency offers a wide variety of roles, similar to those found in a major corporation.
The CIA values its employees and aims to provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as competitive compensation and the chance for financial rewards. The agency also recognises the importance of employee fulfillment and support, fostering an environment of teamwork and collaboration.
To be eligible for employment, candidates must successfully complete security and medical evaluations, including a background investigation, a polygraph interview, and a physical and psychological examination. The number of employees and the agency's budget are not publicly disclosed.
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The Test Oath
The "Ironclad Test Oath" was enacted by Congress in 1862 during the Civil War. This Test Oath required civil servants and military officers to swear to future loyalty and affirm that they had never previously engaged in disloyal conduct. The oath was made voluntary for senators in March 1863, but in 1864, it was made mandatory for all senators.
The CIA oath, which is also taken by officers of the United States Air Force and the National Guard of various states, reads:
> "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
The first oaths of office were given to those serving under the Continental Army, beginning in 1775. Candidates had to name the 13 states and swear to keep them "free, independent, and sovereign states and declare no allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain."
The oath was first updated in September 1776 after the Declaration of Independence. It was changed to swear to be "true to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies opposers whatsoever; and to observe and obey the orders of the Continental Congress and the orders of the Generals and officers set over me by them." In 1789, the oath was changed again to place allegiance to the Constitution of the United States at the beginning.
The Test Act of 1673 was an act passed in England that required all persons filling any office, civil, military, or religious, to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance. The Scottish Test Act, passed in 1681, was repealed in 1690.
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History of the oath
The history of the oath to the constitution in the United States dates back to the country's early years. When the United States was a colony of Great Britain, officials swore allegiance to the king. However, even at that time, there were debates about the necessity of oaths, with some arguing that a good government should not need them.
During the American Revolution, the first oaths of office were given to those serving under the Continental Army beginning in 1775. These early oaths required soldiers to name the 13 states and swear to keep them "free, independent, and sovereign states" and declare no allegiance to the British king. After the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the oath was updated to swear loyalty to the United States and serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies.
In 1789, the First Congress adopted a simple oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States." This marked the beginning of the practice of oath-taking to uphold the Constitution. The current oath is a product of the 1860s, drafted during the Civil War, a time of uncertain and shifting loyalties. The outbreak of the Civil War transformed the routine act of oath-taking into one of great significance, with Congress responding by introducing several new oaths.
In July 1862, Congress passed the Ironclad Test Oath, a much tougher oath for civil servants and military officials. It required not only a pledge of future loyalty but also an affirmation that they had never aided or encouraged "persons engaged in armed hostility" against the United States. This oath was used after the Civil War to prevent Southern Democrats from returning to Congress. However, in 1868, a separate oath was created for Southern members-elect, and eventually, in 1884, the Test Oath was repealed, leaving the affirmation of constitutional allegiance that we know today.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CIA agents swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The CIA oath reads:
> "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
The oath originated in 1775, when the Continental Army first gave it to its members.
Yes, the oath has undergone several changes since its inception. In 1776, after the Declaration of Independence, the oath was updated to include allegiance to the United States of America. In 1789, the oath was changed again to place allegiance to the Constitution of the United States at the beginning.
Yes, other officials, including members of Congress and the United States Air Force, swear similar oaths to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
