§ 251 Enlistment Oath Requirements

Military and Veterans Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that when you join or rejoin the military, you must sign papers and promise to tell the truth. If you lie on purpose, it's a crime called perjury.

Key Takeaways

•You must sign papers and take an oath when joining the military.
•The oath must be taken in front of an authorized officer.
•Lying on purpose in the oath is a crime.

Example

Someone joins the military and lies about their age on the enlistment papers.

If they swear to the lie, they can be punished for perjury.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 251 Enlistment Oath Requirements

Every person who enlists or reenlists shall sign the enlistment papers and take the oath required by the laws and regulations of this State and of the United States. Such oath shall be taken before any military or naval officer authorized to administer oaths by the regulations or laws of the United States or of this State. Any wilfully false statement so sworn to is perjury. (Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 389.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

enlists reenlists oath perjury

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 251.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References