US Troops Surveyed on Duty to Disobey Illegal Orders
Active-duty US troops report a strong understanding of their duty to disobey unlawful orders following President Donald Trump's deployment of forces into US cities.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Human Security Lab found that approximately 80% of 818 surveyed active-duty U.S. troops understand their legal duty to disobey orders that violate the U.S. Constitution or international law. The study, conducted in June 2025, reveals that only 9% of respondents would obey any order regardless of legality. Between one-third and one-half of service members expressed a willingness to refuse orders involving the torture of prisoners, harming civilians, or the use of nuclear weapons on cities.
These findings emerge as Donald Trump increases the use of military and federal forces domestically. On August 11, 2025, the president announced the deployment of the National Guard and federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., to combat crime, an action local officials characterized as an illegal infringement on the district's autonomy. This follows previous deployments of troops to Los Angeles to quell protests and the deportation of immigrants without due process.
The research highlights a gap between general knowledge and specific application. For example, willingness to obey an order to drop a nuclear bomb on a civilian city decreased from 69% to 56% only after troops were reminded of their duty to disobey. While military culture emphasizes obedience, the study notes that service members can be held liable for following manifestly unlawful orders.
