Summary:
Six Democratic lawmakers have publicly urged military personnel to disobey orders they deem “illegal,” a move criticized as reckless and politically motivated. This advice contradicts the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which mandates obedience to lawful orders. The article warns service members of severe consequences, including court-martial, administrative separation, and loss of benefits, while questioning the lawmakers’ motives and legal standing.
What This Means for You:
- Legal Risk: Disobeying orders—even if perceived as unjust—violates UCMJ Article 92 and risks court-martial or discharge.
- Career Impact: Administrative separation (AdSep) could strip benefits, housing, and VA eligibility, with lasting professional repercussions.
- Political Context: The lawmakers’ vague language avoids specifics, suggesting a stunt to undermine military cohesion.
- Future Outlook: Such rhetoric may escalate tensions between political agendas and military discipline, eroding institutional trust.
Original Post:
Six Democrats in a YouTube video have urged military members to refuse illegal orders. The posting advises military members to decide their own law, risking UCMJ violations. Article 92 criminalizes “failure to obey an order,” and defiance carries severe penalties, including court-martial or AdSep—as seen with 8,000+ COVID-19 vaccine refusals. Consequences range from lost benefits to career ruin, with minimal legal success odds. The lawmakers’ vague claims appear politically driven, potentially inciting disobedience without accountability.
A.C. Lohr, a retired JAG officer, emphasizes the dangers of this rhetoric and its potential to destabilize military order.
Extra Information:
UCMJ Article 92: Details the legal mandate to obey lawful orders.
18 USC § 373 (Solicitation): Explains potential legal exposure for encouraging criminal acts.
DoD Vaccine Refusal Policies: Precedent for administrative consequences of order defiance.
People Also Ask About:
- Can military members legally refuse orders? Only if the order is unlawful, but courts—not individuals—determine legality.
- What happens if a soldier disobeys? Penalties include AdSep, court-martial, or discharge with lost benefits.
- Why are lawmakers encouraging this? Critics argue it’s political theater, not genuine legal guidance.
- Has this happened before? Yes, notably during vaccine mandates, but courts upheld orders.
Expert Opinion:
Retired JAG officer A.C. Lohr underscores the dangerous precedent of politicizing military obedience. Such rhetoric undermines chain-of-command integrity and could incentivize chaos, with service members bearing the brunt of legal and career fallout.
Key Terms:
- Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
- Article 92 failure to obey order
- military administrative separation consequences
- political interference in military orders
- court-martial for disobeying orders
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