As a petty officer, under what condition are subordinates required to follow your orders?

Subordinates are required to follow orders that are lawful. This principle is rooted in military law and ethical standards, which dictate that all orders must be in accordance with legal statutes, regulations, and established protocols. Orders that are lawful uphold the integrity of the military and protect subordinates from following directives that could lead to illegal actions or violations of rights. Consequently, it is crucial for any leadership position to ensure that the orders given are within the bounds of the law.

While factors such as reasonableness, timeliness, and how orders are communicated can influence the effectiveness of leadership and compliance, the fundamental requirement remains that orders must be lawful. This ensures not only accountability but also the ethical conduct of all personnel involved.