Correct reading as to “legal orders”: the oath itself, while binding to the president’s orders, does not make it unconditional: it explicitly subjects that binding to a limit: “according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice”.
This means that enlisted personnel have the right, and in fact, the obligation, to refuse following unlawful orders.
Correct reading as to “legal orders”: the oath itself, while binding to the president’s orders, does not make it unconditional: it explicitly subjects that binding to a limit: “according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice”.
This means that enlisted personnel have the right, and in fact, the obligation, to refuse following unlawful orders.