At 05:11 PM 9/20/01, Jon wrote:
>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.
Pretty close to 100% sarcasm, in fact.
>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.)
To explain my reply to Jereon's other question:
>Generally, the next "request" will be for you to relocate to Fort
>Leavenworth, Kansas, for a 20-year tour.
that is the location of the Federal prison (often itself just called
"Leavenworth") where those convicted of violating the UCMJ* are often
sentenced to serve their terms.
(*Uniform Code of Military Justice: the legal code for members of the US
military forces.)
> 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.
>
-- Ronn! :)
God bless America,
Land that I love!
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam�
God bless America!
My home, sweet home.
-- Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
