Pledge of Spanish flag in Lebanon

Abstract

In 1999 the professionalization of the Spanish Armed Forces was undertaken and the Compulsory Military Service disappeared. The oath or promise before the flag is a solemn act prior and indispensable to be military. Since 2004, this oath or promise can also be taken by civilian personnel, in an act in which individually and publicly citizens manifest their commitment to Spain, fidelity and loyalty to the nation, as well as the commitment to contribute to the common good, be a good citizen and defend collective interests.

The difference between the exclusively military act and the one intended for civilian personnel is that the first is composed by two parts: the first one, the promise and kissing the flag, and a second one, the soldiers march under the arch formed by the flag and the saber of the military authority that has taken their oath. However, the civil celebration consists only on the first part.

After a review of the historical background, this article develops a research of the regulations on this subject in Spain. The organization, ceremonial and protocol of the development of the intended act for civilian personnel in an area of operations are exposed.

Finally, a series of conclusions are drawn, in which, beyond the logistical difficulties, the essence is the deep symbol of the event.