Unmasking Insubordination
Eoghan Matthews | 02.02.22
Unmasking Insubordination
It should not be a controversial statement to say that soldiers are expected to follow orders. It is one of the fundamental characteristics of a military professional. But what if obedience, as a matter of principle, is not as common a character trait among soldiers as we assume it to be? Recent events suggest that perhaps it is not—and that has serious implications for the Army. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that obedience is one of the foundations upon which an effective and professional military force is built. It is also a fundamental requirement—but one whose presence and permanence is too often taken for granted—in order for the nation and its leaders to trust that the Army can and will fulfill its core function of providing land forces to implement the policies of the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic response has been as contentious an issue within the military as it has been anywhere else in the United States. In recent months, there has been a great deal of consternation about vaccine mandates in the armed forces. As the first servicemembers have been discharged for refusing vaccination, arguments of varying credibility have continued to fly back and forth, as have justifications for exemptions. Better minds than mine will have to resolve that issue. When it comes to mandating the wearing of masks, however, there can be no such debate within the military.
No amount of mere controversy is sufficient for soldiers to justify disobeying an order. Lawful disobedience requires that the order be “palpably illegal.” Masks have been a recognized protective measure against chemical and biological threats for over a century. How to wear and use masks is taught to every servicemember within weeks of joining the military. Therefore, any argument questioning the legality of an order to wear masks is ridiculous.
https://mwi.usma.edu/unmasking-insubordination/
