Pentagon chief Pete Heges announced on the 5th (local time) that he has initiated a demotion for Senator Mark Kelly (Democrat, Arizona), who had urged soldiers and intelligence agents to refuse "illegal orders" during his military service.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on the same day, Secretary Heges stated that he had issued a letter of reprimand to Kelly, a retired Navy captain, outlining "all reckless unlawful actions," and that this "will remain in Captain Kelly's official and permanent military personnel record."

He added that "Captain Kelly has been notified of the basis for this action and can submit a response within 30 days," and that the "process for determining retired rank following the reprimand will be completed within 45 days." Retired personnel who are demoted will have their corresponding pensions reduced.

Senator Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, had urged junior soldiers and intelligence agents in a video produced and released in November of last year with five Democratic House members, stating, "You can refuse an illegal order."

In response, the Department of Defense stated that this was a "serious violation" of military law, which also applies to retired officers, and launched an investigation to determine court-martial proceedings and administrative actions. President Donald Trump had expressed his anger, calling it an "act of rebellion punishable by death."

Senator Mark Kelly [AP Yonhap News file photo]