“...I am merely asking whether it is appropriate to set forth the duty to obey one’s superior officer as universal and unconditional, when it is well-known that there are conditions that warrant disobedience.”
As an example, in 1991 I was ordered to enter false information on a form. At the bottom of the form, there was a line explaining it was a legal document and false information could result in fines and imprisonment. I told the superior officer I wanted his order in writing so I could submit it to legal review. He called me obscenities and left.
In another case, I was ordered to write 10 OPR (performance reports) in 24 hours, and that my CO (giving the order) would sign whatever I wrote. I refused, since no one can write 10 OPRs from scratch and do a decent job in 24 hours. He said he would bring me up on charges, and that I’d lose. I agreed that I would lose, but pointed out ever officer above him would find out what an idiot and loser he was. After about 60 seconds, and knowing I meant what I said, he backed down. A legal order that I refused to obey because it was wrong, and I made it stick because I was right.
It can be done. But refusing to deploy because you claim the President is a space alien? Or in this case, simply an alien, but equally lacking proof? Lakin will get what he deserves. And World Nut Daily will go on making sales.
The answer to this is pretty simple. We just quit having people take oaths to defend the Constitution. Once we have no concern for domestic or foreign enemies to the Constitution we have achieved nirvana.