All SMI cadets must make the following pledge upon matriculation at the Southern Military Institute:

"I hereby pledge to serve as a cadet of the Southern Military Institute, and will obey all legal orders of the constituted authority of the Institute. I give my word of honor, as a member of the SMI Corps of Cadets and as a future Alumnus of the Institute, that I will never lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. I affirm that I am not married or divorced, and that I have no legal dependents. I will not join or affiliate with any secret society or fraternity while a member of the SMI Corps of Cadets. So help me God. "