I might get a chance to interview a couple US soldiers soon

[shadowknows69]

They've been to Iraq and Afghanistan and I've promised to give them anonymity if they want. In fact I'm not even going to learn their names. How far should my questions go before DOD is knocking on my door?

[MADem]

1. As far as you want, but DO NOT WRITE DOWN THEIR NAMES

Just in case they go after your notes...and be as vague as you can manage about their units, as well.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. I agree

That would be a good idea. Aren't they not supposed to critize the CIC during war time while they are in uniform and there and everything?

[shadowknows69]

4. I'm not even going to dwell on their politics or what they think of

the war (not much anyway) mostly I want to ask questions about what life is like on a given day, have they ever been given an order which they thought was immoral (won't ask if they followed it or not, I don't want to judge these guys) Ask if they think the objectives can really be achieved, how they are really equipped etc. etc.

[MADem]

5. If they are enlisted, their oath says they will obey the orders of the

Pretzledunce of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over them. The criticizing of the Pretzledunce puts them in the disobedience of a direct order/behavior prejudicial to good order and discipline/bringing disrepute upon the service realm, and could have real consequences.

It's why they do not speak out unless painted into a corner--they are PROFESSIONALS, and they serve with honor, but they are not led by honorable leaders.

[shadowknows69]

3. I'm telling the person setting it up

that I want to ask some intense questions and that if they don't want it in the report they shouldn't answer.