I Disagree. It is a thin line that is correct, however it is a junior officer’s job, especially at his level of leadership, to advise officers senior to him. That includes telling them his professional opinion on the matter. In fact it’s his duty to tell his superiors of possible pitfalls. This is not insubordination. Insubordination is when a subordinate wrongfully refuses orders. This does not mean the juniors have to 100% toe the party line without offering other options and opinions. Ultimately the call is up to the leadership and he has to follow that.
This isn’t a line battle where a general is ordering troops to advance and a LtCol is saying “IDK boss, I really feel like we should fall back.”
As for the congressional hearing, you still haven’t provided any instances where he lied. Using the word “demanded” may be an embellishment, but it’s not that far from “putting pressure on” the Ukrainian government. People are allowed to disagree with their leadership, and that’s all that was shown in that hearing. This isn’t Russia where we send officers who disagree with the party to the firing squad, never to be heard from again.
You misunderstand insubordination. I did a full career in the navy and as CO at sea and ashore. Insubordination is not the same as disobeying an order. Yes, juniors should give advice … until it’s time to stop. Too much advice on the same annoying subject can be taken as telling the boss he’s stupid. So who’s right? The boss bears the responsibility so his word is final.
I think back to the turning point in my Naval career, such as it was. Sitting in front of the Commodore (4 stripe Navy Captain Squadron CO) and Chief of staff, having a word about me going to Destroyer School, kind of a “Top Gun” outfit but for surface officers. Being a Navy Lieutenant (O-3 to you Army people) on a staff is the kiss of death to a career. Little did I know that the Navy had already decided to dump 3000 of us Mustangs in a couple of years so Destroyer School probably would have done no good at saving my career. I served on a Fletcher class WWII destroyer as an E-6 and a DLG (Later CLG) as an Ensign. So the Commodore, in true Southern fashion, said, “What kind of deestroyer you want, son?” My answer was, “Sir, I would rather any ship type other than destroyers.” And I meant it. Needless, the interview was over. The point is if Vindman really was commited to his course to the bottom of his soul, he owned any outcome his superiors decided, whether viewed fair by others or not. Both Vindman and I could still be peeling potatoes if our seniors took offense. There is more to my sea story but suffice that I served with honor and commitment both enlisted and commissioned. I served as Navigator and Chief Engineer (three times). I was a fairly typical Mustang in that I made it my business to know my men and my business. It counted for nothing once the corner was turned with needs of the service and the whims of detailers. I got sent back to the same ship twice as Engineer because I knew the plant and the crew and was the right man for the job. I was good enough to be sent back but too expensive and mouthy to keep. Both Vindman and I made fatal errors in our career. I just know I did not get anyone killed when I made mine.