[JG14_Josf]

Jan,

When can I buy my copy of the new book?

I’m sympathetic to situations where a performer of a required function is reluctant, even steadfastly resolute against, performing when the capacity to perform is absent. I’ve been there and my employers, and my coworkers, could not understand why I didn’t just go to work and collect the pay even if my health or ‘spirit’ wasn’t going to allow me to perform my job. One might ask: “What is the purpose?” and my answer is inevitably going to be: “Do the right thing.”

The military code, as far as I understand it, demands that individuals do the right thing and those who don’t will be punished. See here how this works:

Superior: “Fly this mission”
Soldier: “I am incapable at the moment. To do so is suicide.”

How did German military law (from ages of experience) deal with such situations?

The Myth suggests that any disobedience results in death “on the spot”. The Myth, if I may, confuses Military “Justice” with organized crime, or, if organized crime is too honest and direct, then, call it politics.

What will “military justice” do after cases of ‘insubordination’?

Example (from one of Bergstrom’s books):

“Oesau was in bed with influenza. Suddenly, Goring phoned his staff: “Is the Kommodore flying?” – “No, he is in bed with fever.” – “Yes, yes, I know that kind”, Georing scornfully, “he has also turned tired and coward!"
Angered by this comment, Obersleutnant Walter Oesau mounted his Bf 109 G-6/AS and took off alone, despite high fever, and was never seen again.”

The facts, as far as I understand military justice, determine military justice. In politics, on the other hand, the facts merely get in the way.

I can’t imagine a Fighter Pilot not having a passion for flying and a very keen desire for the challenges of competition. This imagination of mine may not be factual. I can sympathize. While growing up I saw someone flying. Years later it was me who flew. No one ordered me to learn how to fly. Learning how to fly is a challenge. One must have the right stuff - no?