In a message dated 9/20/01 3:12:02 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< When serving in the US Armed Forces, can you say "No" when you are
"requested" to go fight somewhere far away, without ruining your military
career? >>
"Requested" was probably used in this instance with some sarcasm.
In our armed forces, as in others throughout the world, soldiers are given
orders and are expected to follow those orders. Our military does not follow
a democratic hierarchy. If you refuse to follow orders given by a superior
officer you can be tried in a court for any number of relevant offenses
(depending on the severity of your refusal -- dereliction of duty, for
instance.) The courts are fair, based on our established military code of
conduct -- they will take ethical and moral considerations into account, for
instance. (For example: being ordered to kill an unarmed pregnant enemy
civilian would be considered just cause for questioning orders.)
To put the shoe on the other foot: "I was only following orders," is not
considered a valid excuse for unethical and immoral actions either. A soldier
is expected to follow the military code of conduct when accepting orders.
Jon
