NEW STARRS PODCAST: Hot takes made it sound groundbreaking: elected officials urged service members to “disobey unlawful orders.” Anyone who’s worn the uniform knows that duty already exists—and the harder question is how statements like that ripple through a force that must act fast, trust its chain of command, and still honor the law of armed conflict.
In this episode of STARRS & Stripes, host Al Palmer, retired Navy Commander, sits down with a former Air Force JAG Bruce Tucker Smith to unpack what the Uniform Code of Military Justice actually requires, when orders are presumed lawful, and where the bright red lines are in combat.
Our conversation moves from the headlines to the hard edge of modern conflict: narco-terror networks, blurred battlefields, and how Geneva Convention criteria apply when adversaries don’t wear uniforms or follow the rules.
We dig into maritime law, whether a disabled smuggling boat is “distressed” or still a legitimate target, and why humanitarian missions and National Guard disaster response are essential to public trust.
Along the way, we tackle recruiting, morale, and the quiet power of the NCO corps—the leaders who turn strategy into action and shape the character of the force.
We don’t call for theatrical prosecutions to settle political scores. Instead, we make a case for sunlight: clear language, better civics, and honest dialogue about authorities, constraints, and intent. If critics suggest ongoing operations are unlawful, name the statute, name the order, and bring the debate to the proper venues. Meanwhile, we’ll keep telling the full story of military service—from kinetic strikes to lifesaving airlift—because accuracy beats outrage.
Watch:
Listen:
Find and Listen to “STARRS Podcasts” on your favorite podcast platform, such as: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart, Podbean, and more
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Host And Guest Introductions
2:40 Why “Disobey Unlawful Orders” Went Viral
6:10 Presumption Of Lawful Orders Explained
11:20 Accusations Of Politicizing The Military
16:30 Recall, UCMJ, And Free Speech Limits
21:00 Terrorism, Narco-States, And Law Of War
26:30 Combatant Status And Geneva Criteria
31:00 Maritime Law Versus Wartime Necessity
35:20 Humanitarian Missions And Perception
39:30 Countering Narrative In The Public Square
43:10 Recruiting, Morale, And Family Legacy
47:00 Universal Service And Civic Literacy
Leave a Comment