The article does say that the orders originally came from Obama and whether the orders was verbal or written, they carry the same weight. But according to your post about Larry Johnson's report, the military brass do not think so since they do not trust Obama.
I wish I could confirm Johnson’s report. I’ve been looking since May for a confirmation. I think it’s astounding.
IMHO, requiring your boss to sign off on orders indicates blatant hostility towards his authority. If there is that much open hostility between the CIC and the military one year into an administration, it doesn’t bode well for the remainder of his term.