
In recent days, a coalition of military veterans and civil‑liberties advocates has publicly urged members of the National Guard to exercise conscientious objection should they be ordered to deploy domestically, especially in scenarios they believe could implicate them in enforcing policies or actions that conflict with their moral or constitutional convictions. These veterans argue that service members have both a legal and ethical duty to refuse illegal or unjust orders, emphasizing that obedience should not be blind. They point to historical precedents, military law, and international norms supporting the right of conscientious objection as a safeguard against misuse of force. Their message is intended not to undermine discipline but to encourage Guard members to carefully weigh the legality and morality of orders, seek legal counsel when in doubt, and act in accordance with their conscience and the rule of law.