If everyone in the armed service must follow orders irrespective of conscience...?

Question

what realistic protection is there to prevent a few bad apples at the top of the chain of command from corrupting the whole??

Answer 1

There's nothing really to prevent it other than the people at the top of the chain of command usually have to display extraordinary heart, decision making, moral character, and pride to make it that high in the first place.

No mediocre men ever ascend the ranks that far. They are found out and exposed long before that could ever happen.

Not to say it isn't possible, but it's very unlikely.

Answer 2

Seems like Bush needs to do some brass butt kicking because it appears this is already happening. Nothing new, however, yet I would appreciate the Commander-in-Chief stepped in here. This CIA stuff is no surprise either along with covert operations in Iran. It's an election season for goodness sake. Nothing good about dirty politics.
In my opinion there are a barrell full of bad apples not supporting our brave soldiers. Politicians at the top of the list. That includes the whole pack of earthworms on the hill. TY.

Answer 3

they must only follow LAWFUL orders.. and the UCMJ is pretty explicit about what constitutes a lawful vs an unlawful order.

Senior personnel can and do get relived of duty for attempting to issue unlawful orders.

Answer 4

That was the old military. Under the new military every soldier is responsible as to whether he should obey any order given to him or her. Previously they wouldn't expect the enlisted ranks to question any orders, and the one giving the order would be held responsible, but now it is all reversed! If you obey an illegal order then you're going to be held accountable for your actions!

Answer 5

Your premise is not true to begin with. Soldiers may exercise discretion about following orders, in certain extreme circumstances.

Answer 6

One can refuse an unlawful order.