General Discussion

MineralMan

(150,397 posts)

3. During my USAF Basic Training in 1965,

Tue Nov 25, 2025, 10:32 AM

Nov 25

we had classes on the UCMJ. In one of those classes, we were given examples of unlawful orders we might refuse. Things like killing unarmed civilians, killing or attacking fellow members of the military, preventing people from voting in elections, torture, and others. We were instructed that if we were not sure in some instance, we should take it up the chain of command until we were sure.

Of course, we were never put into any of those situations, so it never came up. But, it was a serious discussion in our training.

I assume that similar training is still being given to enlisted personnel.

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Highlight:

If service members are not capable of determining what is an illegal order, [View all] SaydiTom Nov 25 OP

Ideally, J_William_Ryan Nov 25 #1

Whether an order is legal gladium et scutum Nov 25 #2

During my USAF Basic Training in 1965, MineralMan Nov 25 #3

I was told Cerulean Southpaw Nov 25 #5

When in doubt, use the chain of command Kaleva Nov 25 #4

There's a service available now for military members... SeattleVet Nov 25 #6

Does Hegseth know about this service? JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 25 #7

Do You Think Hegseth... ProfessorGAC Nov 25 #8

A glass, certainly. Anyone who would have a room in the Pentagon to apply his makeup ... JustABozoOnThisBus Wednesday #11

Yeah, That's Fair ProfessorGAC Wednesday #12

On the NIMJ's front page, they have a link to a 2 part interview with Glen Kirshner.... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #9

A JAG with two stars I know told me Lawful Order in the Military is bound by... haele Nov 25 #10

For an officer or senior SGT they are more responsible. Jacson6 Wednesday #13