According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice a service member can be charged for crimes even if these crimes were committed under orders. In other words, it is illegal to follow an illegal order. This philosophy of US military law is designed to discourage participation in war crimes and holds all US servicemen and women to high standards of conduct. Following an illegal order is illegal.
It’s a lot to put on a 19 year old service member which is why these principles of military law are taught in boot camp classrooms. Often times non commissioned officers are the ones who will intervene in situations where direct orders may be illegal. This system of law has helped foster a historically unique military force, one where war crimes are minimized, reported and prosecuted.
US President (formerly for life) Donald Trump wouldn’t understand this basic principle of the UCMJ, he never served. One would think former Capt Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense…err….War, would know about this philosophy of US military law; maybe he just doesn’t care. Either way a former captain is not experienced enough to hold the position of Secretary of Defense …err… War. Sportcaster Stephen Smith, to my knowledge, never served (Huffington Post).
The US Code of Military Justice is not based on a movie.
The strategy seems to be one of redesigning our military and eliminating professional officers who are not yes men. By putting pressure on dedicated flag officers to resign and filling the military with inexperienced officers Trump hopes to make a compliant officer corps. Leaders willing to commit war crimes, possibly against US citizens.
This political assault on legally correct Democrat politicians who are veterans by draft dodger in chief Trump and his young cronies sets a dangerous precedent and signals ill intent on the part of the current regime.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayana
Let’s see those Epstein files.
- Hegseth’s Message 4dforum
- Sen. Kelly says Pete Hegseth ‘totally unqualified’ after being bashed over display of medals ABC News
- How Trump targeting these Democrats could backfire Politico
- Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 Wikipedia
- My Lai massacre Wikipedia
- Trump and Hegseth’s plan for a MAGA military reset, told in 11 quotes Axios
- Hegseth’s Meeting 4dforum
- Slotkin, Kelly lead Democrats in military, intelligence appeal: ‘You can refuse illegal orders’ The Hill
- What US Law Says About Sedition and Defying Illegal Orders Newsweek
- Lawful and unlawful orders: Can you tell the difference? Midwest Military & Veteran’s Law