Group urges drone operators to refuse orders to fly. This presents an interesting Ethical Issue regarding the Due Process. Your Thoughts?

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:10:54 -0400

From the Air Force Times.

I am wary of the use of drones, however I believe they are a valid means of reducing American Casualties. That said, I believe there are definitely some ethical concerns regarding their usage.

The article presents one based on Due Process, and the US Service Member. I realize that War or Authorized Use of Military Force does not normally "apply in the same ways" (can't think of a better way to state that at the moment) to Due Process, however when we are going after non-State targets, this concern is exacerbated.

I would love to hear some additional arguments. Pro or Con.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/06/17/anti-drone-group-launches-new-effort-knowdrones/28859999/

Group urges drone operators to refuse orders to fly

A group that helped sponsor commercials urging drone pilots not to fly missions has launched a new effort to persuade drone operators to disobey their orders.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 18 at 2015 7:17 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:17:18 -0400

Disobeying lawful orders in wartime is a dangerous step to take.

When I was serving the Viet Nam Veterans Against the War was our fifth column.

I regret to see this starting up again now.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jun 18 at 2015 7:46 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:46:42 -0400

When was the last time we attacked anyone anywhere with due process. No different than the groups that want all service members to quit. You can always disobey a lawful order. Up to you. You should be prepared for the consequences.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 18 at 2015 10:34 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:34:41 -0400

This "concept" is not new.
Groups made the same "demand" or encouragements (challenge?) With Boomer drivers and crew, Nuke missile crews and leaders, bomber pilots and crew.

Fringe groups are fringe because what there groupthink or what they advocate is off the wall.
this group is no different.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 11:15 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:15:54 -0400

Wow. A bunch of military veterans (some of which are retirees) are asking service members to disobey lawful orders. How about they put their money where their mouths are and decree that they will support those that follow their requests. This would include these service members' families as well. I guess that will never happen, but these wind bags will never shut up.

How about pull a John Kerry and throw your medals in a river first? No? Whatever.

Allow these service members to do their jobs and do exactly what they are capable of doing. If a pilot of operator cannot perform their duties because of their religious or moral views allow them to remove themselves from that program.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 18 at 2015 2:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:21:00 -0400

Let's raise our white flag because of the frictions of war.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 3:58 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 15:58:04 -0400

You can't refuse to carry out a lawful order. Drone operation has not been declared illegal, neither in the civilian or military sectors, and privacy suspicions aside the practice is legal. This is basically a civilian organization sticking their noses in places they have no business being in. I think most airman are smart enough to know the difference between dereliction of duty and the difference between a proper illegal order; this one isn't that blurry to see.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 12:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 12:50:25 -0400

I think drones belong in a combat zone personally. Using them inside our country poses major ethical questions relating to the 4th amendment and potential spying on American citizens without due process. Just my $.02, I'm sure some will disagree!