I know it may seem like that, but he's in the same position as a Plt Ldr trying to keep his troops from rebelling when there's an idiot as Company CMDR.Except he’s 2 years too slow.
"Sorry guys, "CO's orders".
He's been trying to do it without bringing down the UCMJ on himself and his men... and he's finally decided it can't be done. Just gonna have to draw that proverbial line in the sand.