Is it ethical to use force against American civilians on American soil?

2018-11-05T09:08:45-05:00

Is it ethical to accept orders to use force against American civilians on American soil?

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Nov 5 at 2018 9:54 AM

2018-11-05T09:54:12-05:00

a simple yes or no poll oversimplifies the issue - there absolutely is reasons where force can and should be used against US Citizens - armed insurrection being one such instance, the sabotage of key infrastructure, Nuclear facilities, prevention of theft or destruction of government property, prevent looting in times of national emergency.

My question to you is this - Why are you asking this question? A little more information is needed to properly answer the question beyond what you gave.

Bottom line up front - if the order is legal - IE - in accordance with the constitution - then you would be hard pressed to produce a case of unethical, or amoral, reasons to disobey the order.

Take for instance Trump sending troops to secure the southern border, that is not only legal by the constitution, but ethical, as all nations have a right to secure their borders. If a US Citizen is hindering your ability to execute those orders, then they are acting against the Constitution's primary directive to the federal government ( provide security to it's population), but the ethical and constitutional powers of the executive office to make such orders. Rules of engagement will be provided, you will carry out your orders, utilizing your ROE's, in order to safely accomplish the mission.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 5 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-11-05T19:44:42-05:00

I am assuming you are speaking of force used by the US military. if that force is used in a law enforcement capacity, it is illegal. see Posse Comitatus Act. as SSG Perrotto has pointed out, there are circumstances in which that force would be both legal and ethical. However, your definition of ethical might be different than mine. So to ask if this or that is ethical is really a moot point. every individual has to decide for him or herself what is ethical.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 7 at 2018 8:00 PM

2018-11-07T20:00:41-05:00

There is a damn big difference between Legal and ethical- Legal can be strictly defined- ethics is a very gray area based on your belief. Ammo dumps are warnings that force is allowed. So if you believe force is unethical and do nothing, and stolen ordnance is used against the government/other civilians- then you will have a spectacular court martial.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 7 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-11-07T20:03:10-05:00

Rebels? Rapists? Murderers? Mafia? Child Molsters? All are citizens.