Oath of Exit Act

HR 2896, the Oath of Exit Act, adds a voluntary separation oath for members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) before retirement or separation from service (excluding court-martial separations). The bill amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code to establish this new oath, which asks veterans to promise to "be the keeper of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms," "preserve the values I have learned," "maintain my body and mind," and "seek help from fellow veterans." The oath is intended to support veteran well-being, referencing high veteran suicide rates (20 daily, per VA data) as context. It does not mandate the oath but provides a formal, voluntary ceremony option for service members exiting the military.