I suspect your experience represents that of the conscripts of the 19th century, given the power of military tradition.
It raises an interesting ethical question as to whether one has to consider oneself bound by an oath taken in such circumstances if one stays silent. Does silence assume consent? If one did not accept the oath would it be necessary to walk out? Not that it made any difference to the lower ranks, they were bound by less abstract concepts like military punishments.
I'd still like to know what was expected of 19C officers by way of oath swearing. My impression of the British army was that, since officers were gentlemen, loyalty to the King on accepting his commission may have been taken for granted.
Susan