Final answer:
The student's question pertains to military obedience and the expectation of soldiers to follow potentially fatal orders without question, a theme deeply rooted in history. The provided quotes illustrate scenarios of strict obedience and its ethical implications, covering a variety of periods and situations in history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question deals with the nature of obedience and command within a military context, particularly focusing on the moral implications and outcomes when soldiers are instructed to engage in an action resulting in certain death. This concept touches on historical military practices, the ethics of command and control, and the expectation of soldiers to follow orders without question.
Incidents like the famous charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, or the orders given to troops in various conflicts throughout history, underscore the often tragic consequences of strict military obedience. The references provided delve into various scenarios where individuals were compelled to execute orders that led to either their own deaths or the deaths of others, illuminating the stark reality of wartime actions and the psychological burden on those who must carry them out.
The quotes communicate a wide range of human experiences and responses to dire situations of conflict, from those who dutifully followed orders to those who questioned or defied them, either because of moral objections, self-preservation instincts, or legal reasoning.