In his letter of Nov. 25, writer Ray Anderson criticizes Democratic officials for reminding military personnel that they have a sworn duty to disobey unlawful orders.
The duty to not carry out unlawful orders grew out of the Nuremberg trials after World War II of German Nazi officers and officials whose primary defense at trial was, “I was only following orders.” Prosecutors argued that you cannot check your conscience at the door when you enlist in the military. Many Nazis were hanged for “only following orders.”
Anderson states “The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92 makes it clear: follow lawful orders or face court-martial. Doubt an order’s legality? Consult a JAG officer.”
A military lawyer.
In February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the top Army JAG officer Lt. General Joseph B Berger III and the top Air Force JAG officer Lt.General Charles Plummer. The top Navy JAG officer, Vice Admiral Christopher French retired before he could be fired.
Hegseth said the firings were part of a purge of individuals who pose “roadblocks” to military decisions and operations. Hegseth added he did not think they were “well suited” to provide recommendations when lawful orders were given.
This presupposes that Hegseth and his master, King Donald, have already decided that an order is lawful when the Lyin’ King issues it and they are looking for JAG officials whose first loyalty is to King Donald and will simply rubber stamp his orders.
King Donald is the most law defying president in American history. This is why Trump/Hegseth gutted the JAG officials and menaced the careers of any military lawyers who defy them. There is now a bipartisan demand for oversight of Hegseth’s incompetence.
King Donald has been given immunity from prosecution by the U.S. Supreme Court for any order he might issue. This is a man who cares only about himself. He has called fallen soldiers “suckers and losers.”
True to form, Blame Shifter-in-Chief Trump and his drunken knave Hegseth have already targeted Admiral Mitch Bradley to take the fall for their lawless behavior, claiming he gave the order to kill survivors of a strike on suspected drug boats. But Trump and Hegseth gave the order to Admiral Bradley and can be prosecuted under both American law and International law. Trump may have immunity in the U.S. for his crimes but he does not have immunity in the world at large, except perhaps Saudi Arabia and Russia.
American servicemen and servicewomen should pay close attention to what happens to Admiral Bradley. They also will be held accountable for following any illegal order this president gives. It may well be that the decision rests with themselves and their own conscience and not consulting a JAG officer handpicked by King Donald to “follow orders.”
Marty Ansley
Cinebar
