What the military oath of enlistment says about legal and illegal orders

[maxrandb]

7. So, you polled how this is being received in the enlisted ranks?

In my 30 years of service in the Navy, I can count on one hand, the number of times I saw politics being discussed. I spent half of my time enlisted, and half as a Naval Officer.

My experience was that about 1/4 of my Shipmates were conservative, 1/4 were liberal, and 50% couldn't give a flying fuck, they just prayed whoever was in charge didn't "cock it up".

I imagine that a great deal of the rank and file, saw this as; "finally, someone has come out and reiterated that our allegiance is to our founding document, and not a man!"

I am no longer active duty, but I sure as hell know how I would feel if I was responsible for blowing up rowboats that we could easily interdict without firing a shot, or accidentally invading a beach in Mexico.

One thing I know most Sailors have, in abundance, is Honor, Courage and Commitment. I would bet a great deal are thankful, not because of the reminder of their oath, but for the reminder being sent to their XOs, COs, TYCOMs and civilian leadership.