Airman Maj. Jason Watson Accepts Article 88 Risk Over Iran War Protest
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 18
Airman Maj. Jason Watson Accepts Article 88 Risk Over Iran War Protest
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 18
Summary
Maj. Jason Watson said on CNN he is willing to accept military punishment for publicly opposing the Iran war and calling for President Trump’s removal.
Article 88 and Article 134 of military law can punish officers for contemptuous or disloyal statements with penalties including dishonorable discharge, lost pay and a monthslong prison sentence.
Watson called the war unconstitutional, described it as American aggression comparable to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and said his dissent was driven by his oath to the Constitution.
His remarks follow a July arrest on Capitol steps after an impeachment news conference; D.C. prosecutors declined the case, but the Air Force later detained him and opened an investigation.