Solving wicked problems with Leadership, Technology and Humanity.
- Decilogica
- Naval Postgraduate School
McLean, Virginia, United States Contact info
Mar 27, 2025
SEVERAL OF YOU WHO ARE JUNIOR OFFICERS in the U.S. military have asked me in recent weeks (either in person at Pearl-Hickam, Schofield, or Norfolk, or by PM here) precisely how they could refuse to obey an unlawful order from a superior officer–if, for instance, your very unwise boss started an operation intended to militarily seize or occupy an allied or friendly state.
Although not a lawyer, I’ve consulted with a few JAGs who, being concerned themselves about where this out-of-bounds administration may be heading, have formulated some words.
If you find yourself aboard–or being ordered to board–a military aircraft or vessel (depending on whether or not you know the destination and military objective beforehand or while enroute)–and it is announced to you by an officer in your CoC–you have a decision to make.
If you, like me, would never obey an unlawful order, you have not only the right under UCMJ–but also the RESPONSIBILITY–to refuse that order. If you don’t, Article 92 will apply–and it will apply whether you’re an E1 or an O10, without exception.
Things that may be happening in future that you absolutely don’t want to be a part of: 1) military occupation or seizure of the Panama Canal; 2) military occupation or seizure of Greenland; 3) military action of any kind vs Canada, or any other NATO ally, or any of our allies in the Indo-Pacific, Latin America, or elsewhere; 4) military action of any kind against ANY friendly nation currently at peace with the United States (ex. terror groups in Middle East/Africa, which are lawful targets–but beware, this may not apply to druggies in Mexico). If you engage in such activities, Article 92 will apply, and you will be guilty of failure to refuse an unlawful order. If you compound the error by engaging any of these populations or their armed forces kinetically, you will also be guilty of war crimes.
REMEMBER: All treaties to which the United States is party ARE THE LAW–just as much so (actually, more so–since they have higher priority) as any laws passed by Congress. Our treaties with NATO, Japan, ROK, Philippines, Australia/NZ, et al are specifically interpreted to prohibit military action against our allies. We can’t even land forces on their territory without their express consent. Our treaties form an intrinsic part of American law. Period. Never forget this.
DO NOT GO THERE. Here is the recommended phrasing of a written response to an unlawful order:
“Sir/Ma’am, I have serious concerns regarding the legality of this order. Based on my understanding of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and applicable laws, I believe this order may be contrary to the Constitution or the laws of the United States. I request clarification or reconsideration of this order to ensure it aligns with our legal obligations. If the order remains unchanged, I must respectfully decline to follow it due to my duty to uphold the law and protect the Constitution.”
THINK #dutyhonorcountry
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🇺🇦 Data Engineer // Power BI, Azure Synapse, SQL
- Matrix42
Kyiv, Kyiv City, Ukraine Contact info
🇺🇸🇬🇱 #USA tensions with #Greenland are back — and louder than ever
Trump has reignited his ambition to annex Greenland, citing national security and Arctic strategy.
However, what he calls strategic is what leaders in Greenland and Denmark are calling aggressive and unacceptable.
▪️ Vice President JD #Vance and his wife are heading to Greenland this week — a visit the Greenlandic PM called a show of power, not diplomacy
▪️ #Denmark’s PM condemned the pressure as unacceptable, while Greenland’s government denied ever inviting the US delegation
▪️ Public opinion in Greenland? Overwhelmingly against US control
💡 This isn’t the first time this idea has surfaced. In 2019, Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland — Denmark called it absurd.
Now, with new players in power and growing competition in the Arctic, the pressure is ramping up again.
❗ This is exactly why Trump doesn’t condemn the Russian occupation and even tries (through #Witkoff) to push Ukraine to give up occupied territories — to create a new normal.
Video here:
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Comment from :
Jeffrey Hilton
United States Now in Cascading Failure Mode: Parents should discourage their adult children from joining any branch of the US Armed Services, or law enforcement service, from this moment, forward. Trump has aligned himself with a murderous dictator – the sworn enemy of America and democracy. He will turn the armed forces and police on American citizens, likely in a false flag op or some other provocation. The former USA will soon be at war with our allies, and friends and family at all points of the compass will die for treasure and pride, not virtue. For the first time in history, serving our country is un-American. It’s all so very sad. 🙁
Claudia A.
As a Canadian, I want to thank those of you who are thinking critically.
Many of us up here are watching closely, and standing ready beside those who choose duty over blind obedience.
Allies don’t disappear when things get dark.
And in case anyone forgot, Canada stood beside you in Normandy, Korea, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq (Special Forces), and more.
We’ve shown up. We still do.
Dr Craig Walker
Okay, MAGA folks, that Military Leaders are having this discussion means the Command Authority is compromised, or more literally, Trump is insane.
Again this is the Law of War, and Officers and NCO’s may not follow unlawful orders, e.g., attacking a lawful ally from a ratified treaty (NATO, etc.). This can extend to the 2nd person in the Cabinet required to authorize the release of nuclear weapons. Trump is not the Kong, just a Petty Tyrant.
This is not a small thing. #Impeach47 and pick another, certainly not Vance, position flows to Johnson if Vance is also impeached.
Thanks for this article, Scradge. I will forward it to other sites. This could be very useful info for American military members who might be abused by the convicted felon to do unlawful acts.
Memorable quote from J. Hilton :
“United States Now in Cascading Failure Mode…”
Indeed, it is.