But retired Gen. C. Robert Kehler, the former head of U.S. Strategic Command, said checks exist on any president who orders a nuclear strike absent an imminent attack on the U.S.
Kehler said that in his former position, he would have questioned and ultimately refused to follow an order from the president to launch a nuclear weapon if it seemed illegal or not a proportional response. He said that would be especially true in the case of a preemptive attack where an attack was not imminent and more time could be spent on the decision.
“I would have said I have a question about this and I would have said I’m not ready to proceed,” Kehler told the panel.
All members of the military are required to follow legal orders, but are also required to reject an illegal order on any matter, including a nuclear strike.
Originally Posted by eskimo
