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Marines Arrive in Los Angeles as City Braces for 'No Kings' Protests
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Many U.S. service members are never told this clearly enough, or at all:
You are not only allowed to refuse an unlawful order — you are obligated to.
This is not insubordination. It’s not desertion. It’s not weakness. It is a legally protected act of courage that upholds the very oath you swore to the Constitution of the United States.
This post lays out everything:
What counts as an unlawful order
The exact UCMJ articles and their full legal language
Real-world military court precedents
Interpretations from military law
Resources and steps to protect yourself and others
If you're serving and something doesn’t feel right, or if you’ve ever wondered, “Would I be punished for refusing an illegal command?”, read this. The law is on your side.
What Makes an Order Unlawful?
An unlawful order is any order that:
Violates U.S. federal law or the Constitution
Violates international law (such as the Geneva Conventions)
Requires or leads to war crimes, torture, violence against civilians, or discriminatory actions
Has no legitimate military objective or is abusive
Department of Defense Law of War Manual, Section 18.6.1: "Members of the armed forces are bound to obey only lawful orders. An order that violates the law of war is unlawful and must not be obeyed."
UCMJ: What the Law Says
Article 90 – Willfully Disobeying a Superior Commissioned Officer 10 U.S. Code § 890
"Any person subject to this chapter who willfully disobeys a lawful command of that person's superior commissioned officer shall be punished..."
Key: This only applies to lawful commands.
Article 91 – Insubordination Toward Warrant, NCO, or Petty Officer 10 U.S. Code § 891
"...willfully disobeys the lawful order of a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer..."
Key: Again, the term lawful is crucial. Unlawful orders are not protected by this article.
Article 92 – Failure to Obey Order or Regulation 10 U.S. Code § 892
"Any person... who violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation... shall be punished..."
Key: Lawful orders only. Refusal of an unlawful order is not a violation.
Real Cases That Set the Standard
United States v. Calley (1971) – My Lai Massacre Lt. William Calley was convicted for murdering unarmed Vietnamese civilians under orders.
Verdict: Following manifestly unlawful orders is not a defense.
United States v. Keenan (1969) Pfc. Keenan killed a civilian under a direct order from a sergeant.
Court ruling: "A soldier is not a robot. He is a reasoning agent. The law does not permit a soldier to obey an order that he knows, or should know, is illegal."
Nuremberg Principle IV (International Law)
"The fact that a person acted pursuant to the order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him."
Takeaway: If you can recognize that an order is wrong, you're not only allowed to refuse — you're expected to.
What to Do If You Receive an Unlawful Order
Ask for clarification Politely ask the superior to explain how the order aligns with UCMJ or ROE.
Document everything Keep records: time, date, location, order content, witnesses, and your response.
Report it Use your chain of command or report directly to the Inspector General (IG).
Get legal help immediately Request a JAG attorney. Do not provide statements until you’ve been advised.
Legal Protection for Refusal and Reporting
You are legally protected from retaliation for reporting unlawful actions.
10 U.S. Code § 1034 – Military Whistleblower Protection Act Protects service members who report:
Illegal orders
Violations of UCMJ or federal law
Fraud, abuse, or misconduct
Support Organizations You Can Contact
GI Rights Hotline
Website: https://girightshotline.org/
Phone: 1-877-447-4487 Free, confidential legal and discharge help.
Military Law Task Force (MLTF)
Website: https://nlgmltf.org/ Assistance with refusing orders, whistleblowing, and CO status.
Center on Conscience & War
Website: https://centeronconscience.org/ CO support and DoD Form 5305 guidance.
National Whistleblower Center
Website: https://www.whistleblowers.org/ Whistleblower protection and legal advocacy.
Mental and Emotional Support
You’re not weak for being stressed — this is serious. These resources exist to support your well-being:
Military OneSource – 1-800-342-9647 (free, 24/7 counseling)
VA Vet Centers – Mental health, trauma, and moral injury help
Chaplains – 100% confidential spiritual support
Legal and Moral Foundations at a Glance
UCMJ Articles 90, 91, 92: Only lawful orders are enforceable
DoD Law of War Manual § 18.6.1: Duty to disobey unlawful orders
Nuremberg Principle IV: You’re personally accountable under international law
10 U.S. Code § 1034: You are protected if you speak out
Final Message to All Service Members
You did not swear an oath to a commander. You swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.
Following a clearly unlawful order doesn’t protect you — it makes you legally and morally responsible.
Refusing such an order is not insubordination. It is:
Leadership
Honor
Courage
Constitutionally backed military service
If you or someone you know is in this situation: speak up, write it down, seek support, and do not stay silent.
You are not alone. You are protected. And you are doing the right thing.
Please share, repost, and spread this to help educate support, and save our brothers and sisters in arms from becoming victims of ignorance