You would be legally obliged to follow any lawful order. A lawful order usually means one that does not break the laws of war. In general, the laws of war include, for example, that civilians should not be targeted in warfare and prisoners should not be tortured. You would have the right (and the duty) not to carry out an order that you knew to be unlawful. This web site is not a source of legal advice, however - you should seek advice from elsewhere if you are unsure.

If you felt that you could not ca rry out an order in good conscience because you felt it was morally wrong, even if it was lawful, then you might have a 'conscientious objection'. Everyone in the armed forces has a right to have a conscientious objection recognised if they can show that they have an objection and they apply for it in the right way. The rules for this are fair but complicated - if you thought you might have a conscientious objection, it is strongly recommended that you discuss it with someone providing independent and confidential welfare support, such as At Ease (www.atease.org.uk). Your padre (navy chaplain) could also help. You should not go absent without leave (AWOL) because you cannot apply to have your objection recognised while AWOL, and if caught you would be punished.

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