Those in military take oath to Constitution, not to the president

Re “Will military refuse to obey illegal orders?” (Nov. 22): As a former Army chaplain, I know this is an issue of military leadership. According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the rule is this: Is a military decision “legal, moral and ethical”? As decisions have become more complicated, decision-makers have retreated behind lawyers for cover. The problem is lawyers, political appointees and presidents shift with the wind.

This leads to blowing up fishing boats in South American waters. The president dares not truncate this process of legal, moral and ethical decision-making.

Congress and the Supreme Court must balance the power of the president to ensure American forces follow this trinity rule supporting the Constitution.

Decision-makers must find the courage to question, clarify and refuse an order. Those in military uniforms take an oath to the Constitution, not a person or political party. Is this hard? Yes. So is fighting wars.

— Scottie Lloyd, Fallbrook