'It's illegal': Retired general says military doesn't take up arms against innocent civilians

[Gaugamela]

Retired General Mark Hertling makes an excellent point: generals and admirals all have mentors who are retired generals and admirals, and these mentors will intervene and put on the pressure when a serving officer steps out of line. Trump and Hegseth were speaking to many more than the 800 in the room, and the culture of honor in the military will simply not allow them to carry out an illegal order. This part of the conversation starts at the 10:30 mark.

Democratic leaders should announce that any service members who lose their ranks and/or pensions because they refused an unlawful order will have these restored under a future democratic administration.

[doc03]

1. "Retired" But so far the active duty leaders

are silent. Trump even threatened them yesterday. If you disagree you can walk out but
your career is over.

[obamanut2012]

3. They are not allowed to be political

Can't clap, can't make a political statement. Not in the Officer Corps.

[doc03]

4. But will they obey an illeagal order, I don't

expect any to refuse. I think they want that next
promotion more.

[70sEraVet]

5. I suspect many will retire -- some will go quietly, some will have their say.

But I'm sure most of the officers in that room do not want to dishonor their military careers by being involved in attacks on American civilians.
Dangerous times.

[Irish_Dem]

6. It has always been the case active duty cannot speak out.

Retired officers do the public talking for them.

[Qutzupalotl]

2. Excellent suggestion in your last paragraph.