He probably should have thought a little more about what is expected of a soldier before he joined the army.
Seeing and being ordered to commit war crimes probably came as a surprise. But some young people are naive. Volunteering to serve your country shouldn't turn anyone into an underpaid mercenary fighting for big oil interests. Any soldier who figured that out is welcome to Canada IMO.
Difference between the Vietnam War and when they volunteer. Agree????????????????
Volunteering or conscription to serve your country has limitations, since just following orders has never been an excuse for committing war crimes or crimes against humanity. If this soldier has witnessed or been ordered to violate the Laws of War (
Laws of war - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ), then he can reasonably refuse to continue to serve especially when their country is not threatened and acting illegally.
16 September 2004
The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, declared explicitly for the first time last night that the US-led war on Iraq was illegal.Mr Annan said that the invasion was not sanctioned by the UN security council or in accordance with the UN's founding charter. In an interview with the BBC World Service broadcast last night, he was asked outright if the war was illegal. He replied: "Yes, if you wish."
He then added unequivocally: "I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter. From our point of view and from the charter point of view it was illegal."
Iraq war was illegal and breached UN charter, says Annan | World news | The Guardian
American soldiers swear an oath to support and defend the constitution from enemies, not help big oil companies plunder a nation's oil wealth.
U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment
Canadian soldiers swear this oath:
“I, ……………….., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors. So help me God
Letter To Oath Keepers of Canada- Canada's Military Oath of Allegience & The Queen's Oath- The Truth Will Shock You | The "OLD" Owen Sound Free Press
Which is kind of bizarre since Canada's sovereign swears this coronation oath:
Canadian Oath of Allegiance
War is hell, but I doubt any soldier were ready for the nightmare of Iraq or Afghanistan. I know one guy in this town who is in the reserve. The only reason he puts on a uniform is because he says he has women crawling all over him. If he was put into active duty he would crap his pants. I think a lot of people who went over there to kill brown people were severely disillusioned with the reality of it all. After all, Hollyweird makes it out to be so romantic and patriotic to wear a uniform. I have no qualms about deserters , as you may have noticed. I council anybody contemplating the military life to forget it.
If someone is required to commit war crimes, crimes against humanity in support of plundering the resources of another country for crappy pay... then I'd agree. But if they truly serve and protect their country, then I'd disagree.
Once again, if you have an ethical problem with what is going on, if you believe your orders are un lawful or so unethical you are unable to carry them out, then refuse your orders, and take your medicine.
That would earn them my respect.
Deserting and running to Canada earns my scorn.
And it is not even that difficult. The average resister in the USA is punished with considerably LESS than a year in jail, and a dishonourable discharge.
They don't shoot them any more.
How would you know if they did?
AP: New details on Tillman's death - USATODAY.com
Why would someone burn Tillman's uniform and his body armor? I have no idea who killed Tillman or why... but the evidence suggests murder.
If one soldier was going to squeal on anothers war crimes, three bullets to the head is a possible outcome.