Week 7

Suggested Overhead Questions

Q1.  What is the hierarchy and source of our professional priorities and loyalties? (NE203)

A1.  Hierarchy:

Source:  Officer’s Oath (with excerpts) 

“solemnly swear or affirm” = serious and legally binding

“all enemies” = I don’t pick and choose

“faith and allegiance” = a deep belief and binding loyalty

“obligation” = a moral bond

“without mental reservation or purpose of evasion”  = for real!

Q2.  How do OBEDIENCE, DISSENT, and DISOBEDIENCE relate to orders? (NE203)

A2.  Is the order wise, legal, and moral? Easy, you obey!

Is the order legal and moral, but you assess it as unwise?

You may dissent, but be prepared to obey.  If the matter is non-trivial, one may voice concern, seek further guidance, provide an alternative, etc.

Is the order illegal?  This is a serious matter.  Your Constitutional obligation and loyalty (oath) is to disobey.  Such action should be accompanied by further formal action such as seeking legal guidance, informing the immediate superior in the chain of command, filing a grievance, etc.

Is the order legal, but you assess it as immoral?  For non-trivial matters, you have an obligation and loyalty to the Constitution to dissent and try to fix the situation.  If that cannot be accomplished, be prepared for your dissent to potentially lead to resignation or to accept the consequences of your disobedience.