I have touched on this before, but feel it has been overlooked as the debate has gone up the ranks. The people that may have to take the risks and perform the tasks are the "foot soldiers". One of the first things I was told when I joined the British Air Force was that disobeying a LAWFUL order was a serious matter. However if I was certain the order was unlawful then I could, and should, refuse but be prepared to defend my position. Admittedly easier said than done but I hope the people on the ground in the American forces are told the same.
"Seems like pretty good motivation to obey any order you're given, right? Nope. 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 -- if the order was illegal."
http://usmilitary.ab...eyingorders.htm