The military is the closest any American can come to a dictatorship without leaving the country. Its always been that way and will continue. Once you sign that dotted line and take the oath, you are committed to things they never showed you during those fancy commercials on television. Civilian law protects your rights, Military Law protects the military. Double jeopardy is a buzz word and actively pursued in the Military. You can be found innocent on a charge one day and be tried again the next day for the same charge... and can be found guilty. Most young people entering the military have no or very little concept of military justice or the rights surrendered when signing that dotted line. Obviously, there are justified reasons for this. Only in the Military can you be found guilty of obeying a direct order and then be found guilty of disobeying the same direct order the following day. This, in part, is military justice. During combat situation, field justice, may be executed if one is determined to have disobeyed a direct order. Soldiers, just doing their job as ordered by a superior have been found guilty of following those orders. In the recent report coming back to the US about the reserves, refusing to carry out a mission, I would prefer to wait until all the facts are available before passing judgment. But, again, as in every case the military will prevail as it has for many years. But that is what you accept when being drafted, or joining the military as a career. To this day I'm still amazed at some of the comments made by our retired generals on television during sensitive encounters with the enemy. But again, that is the military ... and its justice system. W. In a message dated 10/17/04 3:12:10 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Clearly you never served during wartime and lack an understanding of military discipline and terminology. When you join the military, doing your job comes first. When someone refuses to do their job, it IS an issue that can get you put in jail unless you can prove your case. Being cofined to their post etc is "not being held against their will" as this option is not even part of military life. The wording is civilian in nature. If it proves out that they had legitimate concerns not being met then those who were responsible for meeting those concerns (IE a commander or NCO) will be held responsible and the problem fixed. >>
