From 3 January 1939 to 10 June 1947, by decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union, all Red Army (later the Soviet Army) and Soviet Navy personnel had to swear and sign the following oath individually after completing their training.[1] The oath was slightly amended on 28 August 1940, changing "commanders, commissars, and superiors" (командиров, комиссаров и начальников) to just "commanders and superiors" (командиров и начальников).[2]
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I, a citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, entering into the ranks of the Workers and Peasants' Red Army, take the oath and solemnly swear to be honest, brave, disciplined, and vigilant soldier, strictly guarding military and state secrets, and to unconditionally obey all service regulations and the orders of my commanders[, commissars,] and superiors.
I swear to conscientiously study military affairs, to do my utmost to protect military property and the property of the people, and to be loyal to my people, my Soviet country, and to the Workers and Peasants' Government.
I am always prepared at the order of the Workers and Peasants' Government to come to the defence of my Motherland—the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and, as a fighter of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, I vow to defend her courageously, skilfully, creditably, and honourably, without sparing my blood nor my very life to achieve complete victory over the enemy.
And if through malicious intent I break this solemn oath, then let the stern punishment of the Soviet law, and the universal hatred and contempt of the working people, fall upon me.