As a fellow lieutenant in the U.S. military I feel obligated to write in response to the June 6 article about 1st Lt. Ehren K. Watada's refusal to deploy to Iraq.

I imagine Lt. Watada has had to overcome much personal conflict in finally resolving to take a public stance against the war in Iraq and refusing to go. The fact that he tried to resign his hard-earned commission and is willing to break a sworn oath undoubtedly tells me how strong his feelings are about the war.

I sympathize with him. I, too, share some doubts about the war and about some of the orders I've followed in the past. I've been in a number of situations where I've asked myself, "Is what we are doing worth my life; is it worth the lives of my men?" At times some of these questions can be difficult to answer.

Both the troops who serve under me and those leaders who issue orders put a tremendous amount of trust in my decision-making ability. I am expected to ask a question when something doesn't seem right, and in the absence of orders I am expected to make the best decision possible. The lives of the young troops under my command depend on it. I'm sure Lt. Watada is well aware of these issues as they are common to the job of any officer in the military.

What Lt. Watada is not aware of is that the U.S. Army does not care about his opinion on the war. How Lt. Watada "feels" about the legality and morality of the war against terrorism is irrelevant when it comes to protecting the lives of his men.

An officer cannot tolerate subordinates refusing to follow a lawful order, and if they do, the violation is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is intolerable because such behavior endangers the mission and the lives of those men serving with you. For this reason I don't understand Lt. Watada's refusal to comply with orders.

Lt. Watada sacrificed his right to be a civilian when he swore an oath to support and defend the constitution of our country. He gave up his personal freedom to defend the freedoms of the U.S.

Did he think it would be easy? Did he think that serving in a profession of combat arms that his life would not be in danger? Lt. Watada says he doesn't want to drop artillery and cause more death and destruction, but what does he think war is?

We try to set up a medical clinic and the enemy sets a roadside bomb. We try to establish a police force and they attack us with a car laden with explosives. The enemy would kill Lt. Watada no matter what his worldview is just because he is an American.

His decision to refuse orders and not deploy sets a bad example to all those serving in the military. It undermines the lawful authority of the commissioned officer and sends a message to the men in the ranks that it's OK to refuse orders if you strongly disagree with them. In war, this type of thinking is dangerous and will needlessly get someone killed.

Lt. Watada's father states, "My son has a great deal of courage, and clearly understands what is right and what is wrong." I would agree with the first part. Lt. Watada will most likely go to prison and receive a dismissal from his commission. He faces the scorn of his peers and enlisted soldiers serving under him. To accept such consequences and dishonor oneself in front of the whole world does take a certain type of courage, but not one to be proud of.

Lt. Watada is obviously not committed to his profession, so it is a good thing that he will not be leading soldiers into battle.

In an occupation where the mothers and fathers of this country trust us to take care of their children in battle, we as officers must be committed 100 percent. Our commitment has nothing to do with world politics, personal beliefs or religious convictions. It has to do with accomplishing the tasks set before us no matter how difficult they may be and protecting the brave men that serve under us.

Lt. Watada should receive the maximum punishment available for his offense and should be made an example of for all to see.

Perhaps, within the safe walls of a military prison, Lt. Watada will rethink what it means to swear an oath and what it truly means to be entrusted with the lives of America's young people.

2nd Lt. Kyle E. Johnson is with the United States Marine Corps. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.