During the Nuremberg Trials of 1946 the German Military rationalized their crimes against humanity by offering up the defense "Orders are Orders". The Nuremberg Trials were the culminating event, of 12 years of prior acquiescence to a corrupt politician who usurped power then proclaimed himself Der Fuhrer . In 1946, America, all of America the military included, shook their heads at such blind obedience. This ability to obey, but with reason, sets us apart I suppose. Patriotism and Fanaticism are not the same.
During the Revolutionary War, the Prussian General, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus von Steuben, trained our soldiers at Valley Forge. In a letter to a colleague, he remarked " In the Prussian Army, you order a soldier to do something, and it is done, but with these Americans, you order them to do something, they will do it also but first they want to know why they should do it." While not an exact quote, the general idea is conveyed.
No one is advocating, a questioning of every order that comes down the chain of command. I advocate that only lawful and legal orders are obeyed. Unlawful orders are not legal orders and must not be confused with "orders are orders". The Commander-In- Chief knows what he must do. We know what he must do.
Some of America's Officer Corps are still alive, who witnessed the events of World War II and the aftermath. If today's contemporary officer needs guidance, seek out one of these patriots, ask their viewpoint.
Friday, July 17, 2009
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An election for President and Commander in Chief of the Military must strive to be above reproach. Our public institutions must give the public confidence that a presidential candidate has complied with the election process that is prescribed by our Constitution and laws. It is only after a presidential candidate satisfies the rules of such a process that he/she can expect members of the public, regardless of their party affiliations, to give him/her the respect that the Office of President so much deserves.
America's fighting men don't need to seek guidance from WWII officers or anyone else to determine whether they should obey unlawful orders. In every conflict, rules of engagement are clearly posted and drilled into our combatants' heads. Basically, they instruct: You don't use deadly force on anyone not threatening you with same. You respect the innocence of women and children unless they demonstrate otherwise...with a threat of deadly action toward you or your comrades.
ReplyDeleteIt's often a fine line...and often, American fighting men have opted to err to the humane and, hopefully, haven't paid the price. It's what distinguishes American war fighters and, more importantly, their senior non-commissioned officers and the officer corps, from our twisted enemies, past and present. The huge majority of our fighters have understood, respected and enforced the rules of engagement and Geneva Convention. Thank God for that. I've personally been in combat situations wherein those who didn't have met with stern discipline. Thank God for that, too.