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COL Mustard

(8,181 posts)

14. In normal times, any order originating from the President or the Secretary of Defense

Reply to babylonsister (Original post)

Wed Mar 18, 2026, 02:43 PM

Wednesday

Would be considered legal. It would have had legal review and presumably internal debate at the highest levels.

Now, unfortunately we can't assume that orders are proper. While we all have the duty to refuse illegal orders, if you do that you assume the risk and the consequences if you are wrong. Asking for clarification, and asking for things to be put in writing are ways to protect yourself. I will not ever recommend disobeying an order unless it is clearly, definitely, illegal but everyone has his or her own decisions to make.

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