If I read this story correctly, these seventeen lads ( I assume they were lads, nothing in the story indicates otherwise) said to their Colonel something along the lines of "no thanks."
What a powerful couple of words!
Words that need to be heard in every military in the world. In the US Drone Corps for example;
"Corporal, you will now launch ordinance on that vehicle on your screen!"
"No thanks."
In the Syrian Army. The British Army. The Argentine Army... "Men, prepare to counterattack; we will now seize that rock back from the Anglo Imperialists!"
"No thanks."
Hell, what's the chain of command going to do, clap everyone in jail?
Those two words could change the world!