Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

hlthe2b

(114,008 posts)
2. They took an oath to the Constitution which requires them to refuse illegal orders...
Sun Oct 26, 2025, 09:25 AM
Oct 2025

Obviously, in practice, that may not happen... But any commanding officer who does not yet realize how quickly they will be hung out to dry (and that may include Leavenworth) is a damned fool. They may not be an attorney, but it falls to them to recognize the general framework of what is legal and what is not--and that includes the Geneva Conventions.

Recommendations

7 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Yes.................. Lovie777 Oct 2025 #1
They took an oath to the Constitution which requires them to refuse illegal orders... hlthe2b Oct 2025 #2
All the generals who cared about the constitution have been fired and replaced with magats. lark Oct 2025 #3
The admiral responsible for the region where Trump is ordering the murders of those on fishing boats sans evidence hlthe2b Oct 2025 #5
He didn't stop anything, he quit rather than support illegal orders. lark Oct 2025 #6
That was not the question (as to whether they can STOP Trump). The OP asked if they can refuse an order hlthe2b Oct 2025 #8
J.A.G. Officers Duncanpup Oct 2025 #4
Haven't most of them been fired too? lark Oct 2025 #7
They could if there was more than one with a backbone, otherwise they just get fired. nt doc03 Oct 2025 #9
The answer is yes, not no. Nt Fiendish Thingy Oct 2025 #10
Theoretically yes. Happy Hoosier Oct 2025 #11
The military is required to not obey illegal orders. ashredux Oct 2025 #12
I hope you are right Redleg Oct 2025 #13
Duty to disobey. Search for legal guidelines.But consequences may be harsh. I had cbabe Oct 2025 #14
Unlawful orders? pwb Oct 2025 #15
Yes but most of them won't. Dave Bowman Oct 2025 #16
The real question is... lame54 Oct 2025 #17
They will not. Maru Kitteh Oct 2025 #18
That's why we need officers that keep pace with the law and retired Generals like Milley as the situation unfolds ChicagoTeamster Oct 2025 #19
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Can The Military Refuse T...»Reply #2