[Ispy4u]

Then do your civic duty and lobby to change the rules. Soldiers cannot be involved in political movements especially those regarding military rules. I will follow those laws and lawful orders as well.

[Broadside Joe]

Then this does prove that the critics are right. They do in fact have one hand tied behind their back.

"Soldiers cannot be involved in political movements"

This I can understand but I think that the outpouring of support for LTC West should be just a slight hint to the military bureaucrats the American people are in no mood to be playing footsie with terrorists. You can't be using baseball rules in a rugby game.

[AndyJackson]

I will follow those laws and lawful orders as well.

Try expanding your mind a bit. That is the oath YOU took as an enlisted soldier. The oath of office for an officer is different. Here "merely" swears to defend the Constitution - a difference that means everything to an officer who takes the oath seriously. There is a much bigger picture than your petty-fogging kindergarten approach to the rules are the rules. There are lots of rules, and the UCMJ for all its simplicity is a very complex document. You are not expected to interpret the rules and decide what might apply to a particular circumstance and what might not. An officer is expected to make such judgments. That is why his oath is different than yours.