The Air Force Academy will no longer require cadets to recite the final clause of the honor oath that mentions God, according to an academy release. “We work to build a culture of dignity and respect, one that includes the ability of our cadets to freely practice and exercise their religious preference—or not,” said Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, academy superintendent, in the Oct. 25 release. “So, in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the honor oath with ‘So help me God,'” she said. The oath reads: “We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God.” The academy’s class of 1959 adopted the first sentence of the oath, the cadet’s honor code. In 1984, the Cadet Wing created the oath—after widespread allegations of cheating among some cadets—by taking the honor code and adding the second sentence, states the release. (Colorado Springs report by Maj. Brus E. Vidal)
Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead
Oct. 27, 2025
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.
