Your views, ODH?
I don't know either. Any competent counsel, irrespective of hourly rate, would tell him the same thing - that this will only end with his dismissal (a best case scenario), or his conviction at General Court-Martial (a worst case scenario). There are no other legally possible outcomes.
There are civilian implications as well. If he's is found guilty at a General Court-Martial (should one be convened), that conviction is the civilian equivalent of a felony conviction. He would be placing his license to practice medicine in jeopardy, as well. He certainly would no longer be able to prescribe schedule III drugs, and whatever state holds his license might move to revoke it. I'm not completely familiar with the medical licensing standards, but I do believe you cannot hold a medical license if you're convicted of a felony, at least no in the US.
Whats on the Horizon :
Somewhere, in the year 2011 or 2012, a politician will make a public announcement in front of a court house that he is providing all Birth documents in accordance with state law to qualify (in that state) for a run for president.
At that moment, he will announce that Obama has refused to release the same documents to comply with the qualification requirements. He will then demand that Obama be omitted from the process because he is not above the law.
The Kenyan/British/Indonesian crap hits the fan within 24 months.
Sounds like you’re wondering about Lt. Col. Lakin’s motives.
Anyone in his position (who’s also paying attention) is faced with a difficult choice between 1) having to submit to his commanders no matter what, and 2) the possibility of issuing illegal orders.
Those with the highest sense of morals and an understanding of basic constitutional principles will find greater weight with #2.
Those who are more likely to follow the crowd and act according to blind faith in their leaders will more likely choose #1.
I would say Lt. Col. Lakin is a man of particularly strong character, with an extremely high sense of morals who possibly also has a strong independent streak.