Whenever an oath of office, oath to an affidavit, deposition, or other written instrument or an acknowledgment of a deed, lease, conveyance, release, or other written instrument is required for use in or in connection with any matter pending in this State, such oaths may be taken before any officer of the U.S. Armed Forces of the rank of captain or rank superior thereto of the Army or equivalent rank in the other branches of service or by a person authorized by law where such oath or acknowledgment is to be taken to administer oaths and the officer or person who administers such oath or takes such acknowledgment shall state such fact thereunder over his or her signature and rank or title.