Are Soldiers Trained to Disobey Illegal Orders?

The ethical upbringing of soldiers is a crucial aspect of military training. Soldiers are rigorously trained to recognize and adhere to lawful orders while also being prepared to refuse unlawful ones. This balance ensures that military personnel uphold their moral integrity and act in accordance with the law.

Principles of Military Ethics

The foundation of military ethics is rooted in both national and international laws, such as the Geneva Conventions and various military codes of conduct. These principles underscore the importance of soldiers following lawful orders and refusing those that violate laws, regulations, or moral standards.

Tactical Training on Lawful Orders

Many military organizations provide specific training on distinguishing between lawful and unlawful orders. Soldiers are educated on the potential consequences of executing illegal actions, such as war crimes or human rights violations. This training is essential for maintaining moral integrity and ensuring adherence to the rule of law within military operations.

Examples of Training Scenarios

A common training scenario involves making difficult decisions when faced with a direct order that seems morally ambiguous. For instance, a soldier was told to shoot a woman and a small girl who were running toward their base during a rocket attack. The scenario highlighted the importance of questioning and evaluating orders. In this case, the soldier refused the order, stating that the civilians were unarmed. The scenario illustrated how recognizing and acting upon moral principles can lead to the right decision.

Ensuring Moral Integrity in Military Orders

The ability to disobey illegal orders is not only a privilege but a responsibility. Soldiers must be confident in their decision-making and willing to stand up for their principles, even in the face of direct commands. The consequences for both the soldiers and their commanding officers are significant.

In NATO and Commonwealth countries, soldiers are taught that they can and should disobey illegal orders. If a commanding officer issues an unlawful order, such as targeting unarmed civilians, the soldier is within their rights to refuse. Any claims of disobedience can be defended in a court-martial, where the court is likely to determine the commanding officer as the guilty party for issuing an illegal order.

Real-World Incidents and Consequences

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were instances of soldiers refusing to follow orders based on incorrect information about vaccines. Soldiers who refused vaccination faced severe consequences, often being replaced by military reserves. This reflected the importance of accurate information and the potential risks of following misguided orders.

Another example involves orders related to protective measures such as vaccination. In cases where soldiers were told to take vaccines based on unverified or misleading information, refusing those orders could be seen as a defense against wrongful commands. However, soldiers were often considered rebellious, highlighting the complex dynamics between obedience and moral integrity.

Conclusion

Training soldiers to disobey illegal orders is a critical component of military ethics. Soldiers are prepared to make difficult moral choices and are encouraged to prioritize ethical principles over blind obedience. This ensures that military personnel act in accordance with the law, maintain their moral integrity, and uphold their professional standards.