I wonder if in other countries it’s enshrined outside of military law, and that’s the distinction? I have no clue.

It could be, I don’t know either.

It’s generally called a “duty to disobey,” and is empowered by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is more concerned about the need to obey orders, but specifies the conditions when military personnel may feel justified in not following them:

If the order is “contrary to the constitution” or “the laws of the United States.”

If the order is “patently illegal, … such as one that directs the commission of a crime.”

https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/what-is-a-military-duty-to-disobey/

It’s generally called a “duty to disobey,” and is empowered by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is more concerned about the need to obey orders, but specifies the conditions when military personnel may feel justified in not following them:

If the order is “contrary to the constitution” or “the laws of the United States.”

If the order is “patently illegal, … such as one that directs the commission of a crime.”

https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/what-is-a-military-duty-to-disobey/

How often does this happen?

Dunno, but an awful lot has been written about it. We don’t elect dictators very often, so I’d say we’re in uncharted waters here.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=soliders+who+have+disobeyed+unlawful+orders&ia=web

😁

I literally had kool aid typed because that’s what everyone is used to hearing. Then I thought of the number of times I’ve said “Well ackshually” to others about that, so decided to heed my own pedantry.

I’ve been out a long time and was of low rank in any case. However, I’m skeptical that safeguards don’t exist that will make that less effective than it sounds.

For one thing, the duty to disobey unlawful orders goes all the way to the lowest E1. (And when I was in, having grounds to refuse such an order and be justifiably defiant felt like Dobby hoping for Malfoy to give him clothes - it was unlikely, but I was always ready to go, and I don’t think I was alone there.)

But I am doubtful that Trump can successfully reach a point where all or even enough of the top brass are willing to drink his flavor aid to not have to worry about them.

I don’t fail to appreciate your viewpoint, but while such a military exists, I’d like stopping 21st century Hitler before he can get started to be a service they provide.

A tiny sliver of hope.

I know the sorts of oaths I had to take when I was in the military. I didn’t really enjoy my time there and I still took them seriously.

Those folks at the Pentagon, I would hope, are the sort that take them very seriously. And it is your duty to refuse unlawful orders.

If there’s enough “good ones” left, we might see some resistance coming from that area.

Edit: Hey folks I know plenty of people have an axe to grind with the US military. And you are welcome to post your axe in reply to my comment. But I’m not really interested in carrying water for every wrongful or unpopular thing that the US military has ever done. I got out for (many) reasons. So please don’t expect a reply!

Who is we?

The electorate?

Well thank goodness we elected the leader who can’t be reasoned with instead of the one who might have been able to be reasoned with. Plus now we can get all the domestic abuse we can eat, which we’d have skipped out on entirely with Harris.

Oh I think you’ll just need to wait a short while to see whether that statement is true.

Well at least we made sure to give the genocidal regime that clearly wanted Trump in the whitehouse what they wanted. I’m sure that will bring some positive change.

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media platform X.

Israel “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media platform X.

So in other words, a Trump win makes things even worse for Gaza. Where have I heard that before?? 🤔