Question regarding politics

[KS110]

Rangers,

With permission, I'd like to ask a question. I read a lot on this forum, along with ProfessionalSoldiers and The Paratrooper Association. I often see a lot of negative sentiments regarding the leaders of our country (Congress, Intelligence agencies, even the Big Man); comments along the lines of they're inept, even ignorant, they don't know what they're doing, they're cowardly, their policies suck. You get the picture.

My question is (and to be honest I'm not quite sure how to word it): How do you make the sacrifices and put in the service that you do when you have such opinions of those in office? I know nothing about politics and admittedly not enough about the workings of the government, but in light of the events with General McChrystal, it seems to me that those in charge of the military answer to those in power. So if the ones you have such little faith in are the ones really calling the shots, why/how do you do it?

I hope that came out right. I mean no disrespect; its an honest question I hope to hear some of your thoughts on.

Thank you Rangers.

Kevin

[K.Ingraham]

We serve(d) for ourselves and our nation. Politicians and even governments are transitory.
"This, too, shall pass".

[Silverback]

You need to read the oath of enlistment. That will answer all your questions.

[Jim]

Presidents come and go. The Army will remain. As of right now I serve my 9th.

[Silverback]

In case you cannot find it


"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. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

[IEDmagnet]

Don't think anything else needs to be said, everything above covers why I put my uniform on.

[Ranger Bill]

Don't think anything else needs to be said, everything above covers why I put my uniform on.

I would add that the orders of the president and officers must be legal orders.

[KS110]

Rangers, thank you for the replies. I understand better now.

Ranger Bill's response brings another question. I'm sure at some point this has been more than a hypothetical for at least some of you, but what would you do if you were given an order that you knew was wrong? Legally or morally? I suppose morals go out the window if its a legitimate order, but what about legally?

[rgrwest]

Rangers, thank you for the replies. I understand better now.

Ranger Bill's response brings another question. I'm sure at some point this has been more than a hypothetical for at least some of you, but what would you do if you were given an order that you knew was wrong? Legally or morally? I suppose morals go out the window if its a legitimate order, but what about legally?

If you receive an order that is consider not legal, (i.e. Shoot that un-armed civilian) you have not only a requirement but a duty to prevent that from happening.

[mortar_guy78]

Rangers, thank you for the replies. I understand better now.

Ranger Bill's response brings another question. I'm sure at some point this has been more than a hypothetical for at least some of you, but what would you do if you were given an order that you knew was wrong? Legally or morally? I suppose morals go out the window if its a legitimate order, but what about legally?

This ain't Nazi Germany, kid. If you are givien an unlawful order, you have a moral and legal obligation to disobey it and report it to higher. This is where the part of the Ranger Creed about keeping oneself "morally straight" comes into play.

[Rangerguru]

So somebody else doesn't have too.

[panthersix]

Got a squirrelly order like that once in Bosnia, I requested it in writing and it went away post haste!