The Military Writings of
Leon Trotsky

Volume 1, 1918

How the Revolution Armed

ORGANIZING THE RED ARMY

THE SOCIALIST OATH

Transcribed and HTML markup for the Trotsky Internet Archive by David Walters

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Approved by the All-Russia Central Executive Committee
of the Soviets of Workers’, Soldiers’, Peasants’
and Cossacks’ Deputies, April 22, 1918.

  1. I, a son of the working people and a citizen of the Soviet Republic, assume the title of a soldier of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army.
  2. Before the working class of Russia and of the whole world I pledge myself to bear this title with honor, to study the art of war conscientiously, and to protect, like the apple of my eye, all public and military property from damage and robbery.
  3. I pledge myself to observe revolutionary discipline strictly and unflaggingly, and to obey without question all orders given by commanders appointed by the Workers’ and Peasants’ Government.
  4. I pledge myself to abstain from any action derogatory to the dignity of a citizen of the Soviet Republic, and to restrain my comrades from such action, and to direct all my thoughts and deeds towards the great goal of the emancipation of all the working people.
  5. I pledge myself to respond to the first call from the Workers’ and Peasants’ Government to defend the Soviet Republic against any dangers and attacks from any enemy, and to spare neither my strength nor my life in the fight for the Russian Soviet Republic and for the cause of socialism and the brotherhood of the peoples.
  6. If ever, with evil intent, I should depart from this my solemn promise, may the scorn of all be my lot and may the stern hand of revolutionary law punish me.

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Last updated on: 15.12.2006