The TLDR is that Jackson could have told Clark to fuck off, and been relieved temporarily from command. It would have exempted him from responsibility in whatever would have happened - likely death on both sides. But his priority was to stop that happening, not avoid personal blame for it.

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when the critical moment happened, Jackson had Clark over his shoulder. He had no time, or way to shadow brief those lower down the chain of command. He couldn't tell them that if they refused to follow the order he'd have their back. Or that he felt it broke the ROE He had to trust they'd spot it

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(which was basically how the US part of KFOR operated. And why Jackson knew that if the order landed on any of their desks there was zero chance they'd say "no")

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That trust was based on solid prepwork with his commanders going into the invasion and leadership culture within the British Army at the time. It was well-placed. The red card was played. The operation got cancelled, but in a way that left Clark no grounds to temporarily remove Jackson. Job done.

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finally, one reason the Brits lower down played their red card was because Jackson had EXPLICITLY made sure all his commanders knew the full rules of engagement and operation. He hadn't let them go "meh. that's the general's problem." or tried to centralise all power over decisions into himself.

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