What would you have done when you were in the service, given how taboo it is to refuse orders from upper command?
It is not taboo as many seem to think, and I am still in service, just as an officer now. I have and will again refuse unlawful (unconstitutional) orders, and would be a very strong voice against giving the same in my role as moral advisor to the commander.
Here are two Articles of the Code of Conduct that pertain to this discussion (for those that have never been required to scream them at the top of their lungs until its etched on the brain.) This is trained daily in every officer program, most SNCO schools, and every boot camp/basic training we have. Its revisited every 6 mos. as part of mandatory training.
Article I: I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
For many this is a moral code, frequently tattoed on some part of the body, right next to the Bible verse about greater love. Does this sound like the code of someone who blindly follows orders, and would open fire on their country, their way of life, or the principles which make our country free?
Disarming is contra-productive in a counterinsurgency, you want armed citizenry ... just on your side. Your military has become the world's leading experts on counterinsurgency, and in liberating folks from oppressive governments - not enslaving them. Marines are trained for months prior to going to OIF and OEF specifically on how to discern a combatant from a non-combatant, and to err on the side of taking fire first rather than to harm a non-combatant. Those who don't get it in training, don't go to war - I've seen it often. And those who harm the innocent in OIF and OEF are swiftly removed, investigated and punished.
Obama has already indicated his understanding that the military would not just along with him no matter what, which is why he has discussed the formation of a national security or civil defense force. Now THAT I would be afraid of.