Following Orders
Following Orders
The importance of following orders cannot be emphasized enough. In the military world this is key to mission success. When a competent authority issues an order, it is issued with the understanding that subordinates will carry out that order, effectively and efficiently. When or where that order is issued does not make a difference on the importance of that order. The orders issued in garrison are just as important as the ones being issued in a combat zone. It is important that the order be understood and done when told to, to avoid further problems. Military discipline and effectiveness is built on the foundation of obedience to orders. Recruits are taught to obey, immediately and without question, orders from their superiors, right from day one of boot camp. Military members who fail to obey the lawful orders of their superiors risk serious consequences. Article 90 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) makes it a crime for a military member to willfully disobey a superior commissioned officer. Article 91 makes it a crime to willfully disobey a superior Noncommissioned or Warrant Officer. Article 92 makes it a crime to disobey any lawful order (the disobedience does not have to be "willful" under this article). In fact, under Article 90, during times of war, a military member who willfully disobeys a superior commissioned officer can be sentenced to death. These articles require the obedience of lawful orders. An order which is unlawful not only does not need to be obeyed, but obeying such an order can result in criminal prosecution of the one who obeys it. Military courts have long held that military members are accountable for their actions even while following orders, even if the order was illegal.
Orders can have a variety of purposes, most of which builds discipline. Whether a Marine is told to clean the head or to bring in gear, the orders given are to instill good character in the Marines. When it comes down to it,...
View Full Essay
