Crooked Army Essay

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Technically there is no such thing as a "direct" order. Orders are either lawful or unlawful. The informal term "direct order" tends to mean an order given face-to-face from a person in authority to a subordinate. It has zero meaning under the UCMJ as the "direct order" still has to be lawful to have effect. Upon enlisting each soldier swore the following oath; I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A general order or regulation is lawful unless it is contrary to the Constitution, the laws of the United States, or lawful superior orders or for some other reason is beyond the authority of the official issuing it. In the armed forces of the United States, officers (Both commissioned and non-commissioned.) are expected to issue orders to subordinates, in order to carry out assigned duties. These orders are assumed (By them.) to be lawful (i.e. - not promoting illegal actions.), and a subordinate whom disobeys them does so "at his peril" ( Risking legal sanction.) Recruits are taught to obey, immediately and without question, orders from their superiors, right from day-one of boot camp. Military members who fail to obey the lawful orders of their superiors risk serious consequences. Article 90 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice makes it a crime for a military member to WILLFULLY disobey a superior commissioned officer. Article 91 makes it a crime to WILLFULLY disobey a superior Noncommissioned or Warrant Officer. Article 92 makes it a crime to disobey any lawful order (the disobedience does not have to be
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