How should a service member respond to an unlawful order?

• A. Refuse the order, seek clarification, and report it through proper chain-of-command channels
• B. Carry it out
• C. Question in public
• D. Ignore it

Answer: (A)

Understanding how to handle unlawful orders revolves around two principles: follow lawful orders, but never participate in illegal actions. When an order appears unlawful, you should not carry it out. Instead, refuse to comply and seek clarification if the intent or legality is unclear. Then report through the proper chain of command so those with legal authority can review the order and take appropriate action. This keeps you from becoming complicit in wrongdoing while ensuring the issue is handled through the correct, formal process.

Carrying out the order would put you on the wrong side of the law, public questioning tends to undermine discipline and doesn’t provide a formal path for resolution, and ignoring the problem bypasses the established channels designed to review and stop unlawful directives.