Flag, Oath of Allegiance to the, oath taken by a soldier while either directly or symbolically touching the flag. The soldier must pledge his loyalty to his superior officer, his fellow soldiers and his country and to defend the above by use of arms. In the army of the Second Republic of Austria soldiers take the oath after at least four weeks of basic training. The oath is as follows:
"I pledge to protect my country, the Republic of Austria, and its people by the use of arms; I pledge my loyalty and obedience to the law and all lawful authorities, to carry out all orders from my superior officer immediately and exactly and to serve Austria and its people to the best of my ability."