Federal Army Reserve Chief administers Oath of Enlistment to future soldiers in Puerto Rico

On March 5, Lieutenant General Jody J. Daniels, chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the US Army Reserve Command administered a prestigious oath of enlistment to 48 future soldiers. The US Army ceremony took place at Castillo San Cristobal, a historic fortress in San Juan built in 1783 by the Spanish to protect against land-based attacks. The enlistment event also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the US Army Reserve in Puerto Rico. The troops will serve in the US Army, Army Reserve, and/or the Puerto Rico National Guard. 

Addressing the troops-to-be, Daniels said “Thank you to answering the call to service. In doing so, you can take pride in being part of that rare one percent.” Colonel Carlos Caceres and Command Sergeant, Major Michael P. Meunier of the US Army also spoke at the event. Several prominent officials, including the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Puerto Rico, the Army Reserve Ambassadors, and the Puerto Rico Veterans Advocate were in attendance to watch the ceremonial oath. 

Currently, there are approximately 45,000 Puerto Ricans serving in the army, army reserve, and national guard. In every conflict that the United States has engaged in, Puerto Ricans have served in the military in one way or another. Members of the Army Reserve based in Puerto Rico have been serving in the 1st Mission Support Command since 1922. The command consists of a force of 3,800. Members of the 1st Mission Support Command are based at Fort Buchanan, in metropolitan San Juan, where they work closely alongside over one hundred thousand active-duty military personnel, veterans, and civilian employees.