No Quarter? DoD Memo Flags War-Crime Liability Over SecDef Remarks
A hypothetical DoD General Counsel memo following SecDef Hegseth’s “no quarter” remarks warns the statements could amount to counseling or ordering a war crime under Hague IV and the War Crimes Act, risking criminal liability for him and subordinates. It urges a public retract and a clear message that no quarter will be tolerated, with investigations and potential prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. 2441 and the UCMJ.