The Ministry of Defense, as the official name of the department is, announced in a statement that they were investigating Senator Mark Kelly for misconduct related to his participation in a video in which he and other veterans in Congress urged members of the military not to follow illegal orders.
The Pentagon announced in a statement:
The War Department has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (retired). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 USC § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for courts-martial or administrative action.
This matter will be handled in accordance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable violations, and that federal laws such as 18 USC § 2387 prohibit actions intended to disrupt the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.
Any violations will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. All military personnel are reminded that under the UCMJ they have a legal obligation to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful. A soldier’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse disobedience of an otherwise lawful order.
Senator Kelly responded with a statement saying he will not be intimidated:
When I was 22 years old, I was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four Space Shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired – which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents.
During one battle, a missile blew up next to my jet and I flew through anti-aircraft guns to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I have done all this in the service of this country that I love and that has given me so much.
Minister Hegseth’s tweet is the first I have heard of this. I also saw the President’s messages saying that I should be arrested, hanged and put to death. If this is intended to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our job and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I have given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.
Kelly’s fellow Arizona senator, Reuben Gallego, was named on Sec. Hegseth on CNN.
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