If the government and the media lie us into another war, would it not be the patriotic thing to do, to respectfully tell your commander that you will not be a part of an illegal war that is not supported by the American people or any other country?
2007-11-12 10:36:52 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As former member of the armed forces, when in Uniform it is difficult to Question your mission. it could get you killed, you have to stay focused. When you take the oath, to Obey the Commander in Chief and "defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and Domestic" you do as you're told.
That is why it is so important for us stateside to question the use of troops, that is our duty to them so that they may not be used without wisdom, responsibilty and integrity, and as last resort. Their lives are valuable and should be treated as such.
2007-11-12 11:17:05 · answer #1 · answered by Myles D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can only deny a mission that is illegal, meaning it is against the UCMJ or a variety of other International Laws out there, which really don't seem to have any relavence anymore. As for this current war, if you are already in the sandbox, you can't whip out the consciencious objector card and expect to go home. Few have tried it State-side and succeeded. As for this being an illegal war, it actually isn't. There were 14 UN mandates that authorized the US to invade Iraq, all of which had nothing to do with WPDs. So, i think this answers your question, though the premise is a little off, cause domestic sentiment means crap.
2007-11-12 11:47:32 · answer #2 · answered by Kiker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Myles D, you said that when joining the armed forces you take the oath to "defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and Domestic". The way the question was worded, we're assuming the hypothetical war in question IS in fact illegal. If that is the case, it would be REQUIRED by the oath to stand up against those domestic entities trying to override the constitutional guidelines for war. Compliance with orders known to be in violation of the constitution would be an act of treason.
2007-11-12 11:33:28 · answer #3 · answered by kfinn360 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who is a legitimate conscientious objector does not sign up for the military in the first place, particularly during a time of war. Someone who "decides" they want to become one isn't a legitimate conscientious objector; they are a coward trying to avoid holding up their end of a contract that THEY signed. You can question a mission at the unit level that is obviously illegal--looting houses and keeping the possessions yourself, shooting prisoners who have already surrendered, etc. It is not the place of a foot soldier to question a theater-scale operation, particularly since the average foot soldier doesn't have a clue what's going on on the operational scale--much less do the media back home and the moronic civilians dumb enough to listen to them. If you have an issue with the Iraq War, don't enlist. If you enlist, fulfill the contract you signed and honor your obligation you swore an oath to fulfill, and wait until your ETS date to become a political whiner and no longer be of any use to anyone.
2007-11-12 11:06:07 · answer #4 · answered by ಠ__ಠ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You go ahead and do that and you will then go to jail and have to apply for jobs with a dishonorable discharge rap hanging around your neck. If your a soldier your a F%$^ing pogue. Quit your F(%$%ing whining. Right now there is some eleven B kicking in a door and he has no idea what is on the other side. He does his job, and here you are whining while you are sitting at a computer.
2007-11-12 11:07:03 · answer #5 · answered by RaceNut17 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If Congress authorizes the Mission, it's Legal.
See, you dont get to just pick & Choose which orders will be obeyed Matt. Unless your given specific orders which are Illegal(ie: Rape that woman, Kill that baby) your bound by the UCMJ to obey.
Dont like it? Get Out, or dont Enlist. Frankly I doubt any Soldier would trust you behind them anyway with a Loaded weapon .
2007-11-12 12:15:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's always ok to question a mission (IN YOUR HEAD), just still do the job whether you like or not. I think until they get logical people in higher ranks the military will always have at least half a dozen questionable missions.
2007-11-12 12:06:12 · answer #7 · answered by muzacmaster44 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can question a illegal order and therefore mission. however the example you use is not one you can question because it is legal even if you don't want to believe it.
2007-11-12 11:56:30 · answer #8 · answered by darrell m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can always question it in your mind, to yourself. otherwise, shut up and do it.
on the otherhand if it is illegal dont do a damn thing unless you want to spend time in the lockup and then have a dishonorable discharge that will stay with you forever.
having a concious is not a bad thing, but having common sense is better
2007-11-12 11:13:30 · answer #9 · answered by fredkearnes 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Congress authorized the use of force.
If they think they were "lied" to they can end the war tomorrow.
A U.S. serviceman can legally refuse any order which conflicts with the Geneva Convention.
2007-11-12 10:49:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋