Know Your Rights
US MILITARY KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The way military members view their role in war is a constantly evolving story. Often during their military careers, people start to question or doubt the missions they once signed on to carry out. Some feel asked to carry out orders they never imagined. As citizens themselves, some military members want to use their free speech rights to speak out against injustices they see. Some even find themselves in situations where their conscience won’t allow them to carry out orders they believe to be immoral. And in the rigid military discipline system, people are often curious about their rights in these situations and nervous about possible consequences for acting on their inclinations. There is a long, powerful legacy of military personnel taking courageous action to ensure public visibility and/or accountability for unlawful, unethical and unjust situations carried out by the US military.
There is a common misconception that members of the military are not allowed to be “political” or involved in any form of activism. This guide is designed to give you an idea of what current regulations say about some of your rights to free speech. It will also explore options and consequences for resisting legal and illegal orders, filing complaints, and getting out of the military altogether. This guide is a starting place but it is not legal advice or a replacement for speaking with a GI Rights counselor or lawyer about your situation.