Topic: Court Martial

Michael New rejected an Article 15 administrative punishment, which would have resulted in extra duty, opting instead for a full court-martial to maintain his principles. Despite the pressure of facing a colonel and the potential for a "slap on the wrist" settlement, New maintained his composure. The decision is characterized as a rare act of defiance against military discipline when faced with a choice between right and wrong.

The segment concludes with a reflection on the intense pressure of military discipline and the significant courage required for a soldier to refuse a direct order from a superior officer. It highlights the contrast between civilian life and the military expectation of blind obedience, noting that Michael New's humility regarding his actions reveals his character.

Michael New faced a court-martial for disobeying orders to wear a United Nations uniform while serving as a medic in Germany. Following a guilty verdict where evidence of his motivation was suppressed, his legal team appealed through the federal district court and the Supreme Court, both of which declined to intervene before military proceedings concluded. The case currently awaits a decision from the Army Court of Criminal Appeals in Falls Church, Virginia, amid allegations of procedural delays and a lack of official recording.

Dave performs "The Ballad of Michael New," a song dedicated to the U.S. Army medic who was court-martialed for refusing to wear a United Nations uniform patch. The lyrics detail New's belief that the order was illegal and his commitment to his original oath to the U.S. Constitution. The segment concludes with a discussion on why such "politically incorrect" music is excluded from top 40 radio stations.

Army Specialist Michael New faced a court-martial after refusing to wear a United Nations uniform and insignia while serving as a medic in Germany. New argued that his oath of allegiance was exclusively to the United States and that being forced to serve under a Finnish general violated the Constitution. After losing in federal district court and the Supreme Court, the legal team is currently awaiting a decision from the Army Court of Criminal Appeals regarding the 1996 hearing.

Michael New rejected an offer for an Article 15 non-judicial punishment, which would have resulted in minor penalties like extra duty, opting instead for a full court-martial to defend his principles. His father describes the emotional weight of this decision, noting that Michael remained calm and resolute even when facing high-ranking officers. The choice highlighted a clear distinction between following orders and adhering to what New perceived as a fundamental right-and-wrong issue regarding national sovereignty.