Understanding the Consequences of Refusing Deployment Orders for US Soldiers

In the US military, refusing a deployment order can have severe consequences. Depending on who issues the order and the specific circumstances, soldiers may face remedial training, counseling, being placed on the platoon's "sht" list, or issuing non-judicial punishment (NJP). In serious cases involving officers, soldiers may face formal charges and court-martial proceedings, which can result in penalties ranging from a loss of benefits to imprisonment or even dismissal from the service.

Disciplinary Actions for Refusal to Deploy

1. Issue to Squad Leader or Platoon Sergeant: If a soldier refuses orders from their immediate superior, such as a squad leader or platoon sergeant, the potential consequences include:

Remedial training Counseling sessions Inclusion on the "sht" list, which can impact their status and assignments within the unit NJP, which is a form of in-unit punishment

If this pattern of behavior continues, it can lead to more severe consequences.

2. Issued by an Officer: Refusal to deploy from an officer may result in:

Office hours or attendance at an officer's guidance session ("Captains Mast") Loss of rank or pay Being placed on restriction, which limits movement and activities Extra duty tasks, commonly known as "CCF," which are intended to make the soldier feel like they are on vacation Sent to the disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworth for up to 45 days

In worst-case scenarios, a soldier may face court-martial proceedings, which could result in:

Military confinement in disciplinary barracks A dishonorable discharge, preventing future meaningful employment outside the military Jail time Adverse discharges, such as Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge Extreme cases where the infraction was committed in combat, leading to potential capital punishment, though this is exceptionally rare and only applied in extreme and rare instances

It is important to note that these penalties are more severe when dealing with a specific combat situation, often referred to as "misbehavior before the enemy."

Real-World Examples

During the author's time in the military, there were several instances where new recruits would refuse to deploy to Iraq, leading to:

Adverse legal action, including AWOL (Absent Without Leave) charges Transportation to the brig for 30 days Processing out of the military

While it is uncertain if the 30-day brig sentence was always enforced, the author personally transported several Marines to the brig, indicating that it was a real and significant consequence for non-compliance.

Charges leading to loss of pay, rank, freedom, and career opportunities can be devastating. A refusing a deployment is treated the same as desertion, which carries severe penalties in both the military and civilian world. Refusal to deploy is not just a matter of personal preference; it can have lifelong consequences for a soldier's career and future job prospects.

While military law protects a soldier's right not to do something they strongly dislike, ultimately, soldiers must comply with deployment orders unless there are compelling reasons or legal justifications for non-compliance. Boot camp emphasized that while the military could make a soldier wish they did not comply with orders, the orders themselves must be followed.

Conclusion

Refusing deployment orders is a serious matter with severe repercussions. These can range from short-term penalties to long-term career damage, including dishonorable discharge, loss of rank, and in extreme cases, imprisonment or even execution. Soldiers must weigh the potential consequences carefully before deciding to refuse a deployment order.