Posted on 11/24/25
| News Source: FOX News
The Department of War announced Monday that it has opened a formal review into allegations of misconduct against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over a video calling on service members to "refuse illegal orders."
The Pentagon said it may even call Kelly, a retired Navy captain, back to active duty to face court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
"This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality," the department said, adding that further comments will be limited to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
The statement also underscored that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ and reminded servicemembers that "orders are presumed to be lawful" and must be obeyed. The department cited federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 2387, which prohibits attempts to undermine the loyalty, morale, or discipline of U.S. forces.
"The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses," the statement read. "A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order."
Even though Kelly left active service years ago, the Pentagon could, if it determines his actions violated the code, bring him before a military court.
Such recalls are rare and typically reserved for serious criminal conduct, such as espionage, sexual assault, or fraud. Still, precedent exists. In United States v. Dinger (2018) and United States v. Larrabee (2020), military appellate courts reaffirmed that retirees receiving pay remain under the UCMJ’s jurisdiction and can be tried for offenses committed after retirement.