Archbishop: US Troops Must Disobey Unlawful Orders
US troops could disobey questionable orders, a concept that’s surfacing in discussions fueled by the recent words of a Catholic Archbishop. The core of the matter, as I understand it, is whether soldiers are bound to follow *all* orders, regardless of their nature, or if they have a moral and perhaps even a legal obligation to refuse those that are considered wrong. This question is particularly pertinent in a climate where trust in leadership might be wavering. It’s not a simple question of legality; the moral compass of the individual soldier is undeniably a factor.
It’s important to remember that the Archbishop isn’t just saying troops *could* disobey; the very oath of enlistment and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, are critical here.… Continue reading