U.S. military personnel are legally obligated to obey lawful orders, and orders given to service members are generally presumed to be lawful under U.S. military legal principles.
November 24, 2025
high
legal
General principle governing the duties of U.S. service members with respect to orders.
U.S. federal law prohibits intentionally urging U.S. service members to disobey orders or to undermine military discipline, and that offense can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
November 24, 2025
high
legal
Criminal prohibition and potential penalty related to encouraging military personnel to disobey orders.