What Next | Daily News and Analysis A Textbook Example of an Unlawful Order
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Dec 2, 2025 Retired Air Force Major General Steven J. Lepper, a former deputy legal counsel to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delves into the legality surrounding recent military strikes in the Caribbean. He discusses the implications of targeting shipwreck survivors, labeling such orders as textbook unlawful. Highlighting a viral video urging soldiers to refuse illegal orders, Lepper critiques the administration's dismissive tone. He outlines legal obligations for service members and calls for Congressional investigations into potential war crimes, emphasizing the impact on military families.
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Survivors Targeted Would Be Unlawful
- The Washington Post reported survivors from the Sept. 2 strike were later killed, raising questions about legality.
- Steven J. Lepper says targeting survivors of a shipwreck is explicitly listed as an unlawful order in the DOD Law of War Manual.
JAGs Present During Lethal Decisions
- Lepper recounts his experience routinely being present when commanders considered using lethal force.
- He says JAGs were always in the room where such decisions were made to prevent unlawful actions.
Guardrails Around Use Of Force Are Eroding
- Lepper argues the Pentagon's conduct shows the guardrails have been dismantled.
- He describes the Secretary of Defense as having "destroyed the guardrails" on lawful military conduct.
