The Military Law Task Force of the National Lawyers Guild (MLTF) condemns self-proclaimed “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth’s abortive attempt to court martial Senator Mark Kelly and his subsequent efforts to punish him for telling members of the military they have the right to disobey illegal orders. The fact is that everyone in the military has not only the right, but the duty, to do so. “I was just following orders” didn’t work for Nazis in Nuremberg and punishing Kelly for pointing that out to members of the military says far more about Hegseth than it does about Kelly.
Indeed, the attack on Kelly is a blatant attempt to silence criticism of the administration’s use of the military in unprecedented and illegal ways, including bombing defenseless boats that are no threat to the US and deploying soldiers in city streets for “training.” Such uses are reminiscent of crimes against humanity perpetrated by fascist and reactionary regimes and have no place in a decent, civilized, and humane world.
As it has since its founding half a century ago, the MLTF recognizes how difficult it is for enlisted members of the military to choose to disobey orders. Others, seen now as heroes, suffered severe consequences for doing so. We stand ready to assist, however we can, those who choose resistance or protest. Putting on a uniform does not mean forfeiting a servicemember’s freedom of expression. Our Know Your Rights Guide provides details on what the law allows in this area. US Military Know Your Rights guide released by MLTF, About Face and CCW – Military Law Task Force For more information, please contact us at help@nlgmltf.org or (619) 463-2369.
