Do good soldiers follow orders?

Do Good Soldiers Follow Orders?

The age-old question of whether good soldiers follow orders is a complex and contentious issue that has sparked intense debate among military strategists, ethicists, and historians. The answer, as with many complex issues, is not a simple "yes" or "no." In this article, we will delve into the nuances of this question and explore the various perspectives on the matter.

What does "following orders" mean?

Before we delve into the question of whether good soldiers follow orders, it’s essential to clarify what "following orders" means. In the military context, following orders means executing a command or directive from a superior officer. This can include a wide range of actions, from conducting a specific mission to obeying a general order to halt or retreat.

Historical Perspective

In the past, the military was often characterized by strict adherence to hierarchical structures, where soldiers were expected to blindly follow orders without questioning or critical thinking. This was often justified by the need for swift and decisive action in the heat of battle. However, as the nature of warfare has evolved, so too have the expectations of soldiers. Today, military leaders emphasize the importance of ethical conduct, situational awareness, and critical thinking.

The Ethics of Following Orders

So, do good soldiers follow orders? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, the concept of orders obeyed without questioning is often seen as unethical. The Nuremberg Code, established in 1946, explicitly states that:

"The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential."

In other words, soldiers have a moral obligation to question orders that are morally or ethically problematic. This is particularly relevant in situations where orders might conflict with international humanitarian law, human rights, or fundamental moral principles.

Examples of Good Soldiers Not Following Orders

There are many historical examples of soldiers refusing to follow orders due to moral or ethical concerns. Here are a few notable examples:

• Private Desmond Doss, a US Army medic during World War II, refused to participate in combat, choosing instead to focus on evacuating wounded soldiers. Despite facing criticism and ridicule from his comrades, Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
• Lieutenant Daniel Inouye, a US Army medic during World War II, refused to obey an order to destroy a medical facility, even when threatened with court-martial. Inouye was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
• Private Charles Johnson, a US Army medic during the Vietnam War, refused to participate in the My Lai Massacre, where US troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians. Johnson was court-martialed and eventually honorably discharged.

What Factors Influence a Soldier’s Decision to Follow Orders?

So, what factors influence a soldier’s decision to follow orders? While every situation is unique, here are some key factors that can influence a soldier’s decision:

• Personal values and beliefs: Soldiers who are deeply committed to their values and beliefs are more likely to refuse orders that conflict with those values.
• Chain of command: Soldiers are more likely to follow orders if they trust and respect their superiors.
• Training and education: Soldiers who receive comprehensive training on ethics, human rights, and international humanitarian law are better equipped to make informed decisions about following orders.
• Cultural and societal norms: Soldiers from cultures that emphasize the importance of individual conscience and ethical conduct are more likely to question orders that violate those norms.

The Impact of Following Orders without Questioning

Following orders without questioning can have severe consequences:

• Ethical breaches: Soldiers who blindly follow orders may be complicit in unethical or illegal actions, leading to long-term psychological and emotional trauma.
• Moral injuries: Soldiers who are forced to participate in actions that violate their moral code may experience moral injuries, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal.
• Civilian and international consequences: Blind obedience can lead to violations of international humanitarian law, human rights, and civilian harm.

Conclusion

Do good soldiers follow orders? The answer is a resounding no. Good soldiers recognize the importance of ethical conduct, situational awareness, and critical thinking. They understand that following orders without questioning can have severe consequences for individuals, communities, and societies. By recognizing the complexity of this issue and embracing the importance of ethical conduct, we can work towards creating a more humane and responsible military culture.

Table: Factors Influencing a Soldier’s Decision to Follow Orders

Note: This table is a general representation of the factors that influence a soldier’s decision to follow orders. The relative importance of each factor can vary depending on the specific context and individual circumstances.