Will generals opposed to nuking Iran do more than resign?

[yurbud]

Poll question: Will generals opposed to nuking Iran do more than resign?

I posted this question earlier but it was poorly worded.

This week, we've seen a wave of generals coming out and criticizing Rummy and by implication Bush, which is unprecedented in American history.

Our military prides itself on being apolitical, on maintaining the appearance that it doesn't reach back into domestic politics.

Sy Hersh has said that generals at the Pentagon will resign if this nuke attack on Iran isn't taken off the table, but I think that would suit the Bushies just fine--they'll promote some yes men, who snap to for every neocon war of aggression, and tell the troops that they are doing Jesus a favor (like at the Air Force Academy).

Therefore, will these dissident generals and even others further down the chain of command refuse to follow orders that could unnecessarily start a world war?

[Imagevision]

1. Generals may have already started snow-ball effect - we'll see in the

upcoming days/weeks...!

[BillZBubb]

2. Resignation is the only real option they have.

And you are correct, the neocons will be more than happy to accept their resignations. They've already been filling the upper ranks with fellow travelers and yes-men. There are plenty of Paces and Franks in the Pentagon.

[napi21]

3. I voted yes. Most of the guys are pretty close to retirement by the

time they makae General, and I really do believe there is hate and discontent in the ranks at the Pentagon! I believe officers are not permitted to speak openly against their commanders, so they would have to resign their commission. I suspect we'll know within the next 30 days wat they're going to do and just how many.

[Lerkfish]

4. after WW3, I think we should revisit the no talk rule for generals.

there's no reason why the public can't hear their valid objections.

[napi21]

5. It's an "Obey Orders" thing with the military!

It's the foundation of the whole system.

I remember when my son first enlisted in the Navy over 20 years ago. I was having a hard time understanding the hard ass techniques they use d in bootcamp. A Vet I worked with explained it to me like this.

"Members of the military are taught you ALWAYS obey an order from your superior, no matter what! Everyone's life depends on it! They can't risk someone second guessing an order on the battle field, and have risk many of the other men getting killed!"

The Military will NEVER change that rule!

[Jai4WKC08]

6. Voted "other"

I think they'll do more than resign. I think they'll speak out to let the public know why they are resigning. At least, I think some of them will.

But I don't think any of 'em will stay in and refuse to obey orders, if that's what you mean by "more." The military doesn't work that way. And it shouldn't. You don't want your generals picking and choosing which orders to obey.

The only chance any would refuse an order would be the order were illegal. And that will probably be a hard case to make as unequivocably as would be necessary. MAYBE if Congress were to specifically forbid an attack... but I don't foresee that happening. Certainly not before November.

[yurbud]

7. generally, you are right, but when you get Dr. Strangelove orders...

it's time to ignore the rules.