I am not saying that *I’d* do it. I’d say that true military discipline calls upon you to do it. You may not like it, or understand how it could possibly be right, and find it entirely reprehensible, but military discipline requires you to follow orders. What if those “civilians” were actually disguised enemy troops?
That is why the quality of the officers we promote is so important. If you believe in the credibility of military judgment as our nation has promoted it, then this should be no problem with you.
* The Uniform Code of Military Justice, subchapter 10 Punitive Articles, makes it clear that military personnel need to obey: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.1. the "lawful command of his superior officer;" 890.ART.90 (2);
2. the "lawful order of a warrant officer, NCO, or petty officer", 891.ART.91(2);
3. the "lawful general order or regulation", 892.ART.92 (1);
4. the "lawful order, 892.ART.92(2)