Virginia Berger

Virginia Berger, a former U.S. Marine officer and senior defense policy analyst at POGO, joins to break down military justice and legal processes. She explains the duty to refuse unlawful orders and why the DOJ pursued criminal probes for lawmakers. They unpack Judge Leon’s injunction on Senator Mark Kelly’s rank, Judge Cannon’s sealed report decision, and how courts are straining under high-profile investigations.

Virginia Berger, a former Marine Corps officer and senior analyst at POGO.org, explores the power and responsibility within the military regarding unlawful orders. She explains the enlistment oath and the Nuremberg principle that compels service members to disobey illegal commands. They discuss the importance of recognizing unlawful orders, challenges of court martials, and the complexities of military law, including recent controversial dismissals involving high-profile figures. Berger also highlights POGO's mission for government oversight and accountability.