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Options to Militarization of Youth |
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Page submitted by Horace Santry on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 9:07am |
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CONSCIENTIOUS ODJECTORS & G.I. RIGHTS HOTLINE INFORMATION
Who are conscientious objectors?
A conscientious objector (CO) is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral, ethical, or religious principles.
Why does this matter now?
Presently enlistment in the US Military remains voluntary, but considering the current US involvements abroad, many have expressed concern about the possibility of a future draft. Recently army recruiters have been unable to meet their quotas, and re-enlistment rates for current military personnel are at an all-time low. As many of the major allies have been alienated and refuse to contribute troops, one must wonder who will supply the resources for our continuing engagements. Current members of the military are facing a back-door draft, wherein active duty soldiers are forced to extend their tours beyond their initial commitments. While it is impossible to predict whether or not a draft will reappear, given the looming questions, it is better to prepare now. Should a draft occur, COs might have a limited amount of time to document their claim for exemption from military service. Because of this, COs should start thinking about the basis of their claims now, and establish a file recording these beliefs.
How does one register as a CO?
From proposed legislation S. 89 (H.R. 163), to qualify for CO status, “a registrant must establish, to the satisfaction of the Board, that his request for exemption from combatant military training and service in the Armed Forces is based upon his moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, or a combination of such beliefs, which play a significant role in his life, that he is sincere in his claimed beliefs, and that his objection to participation in war is not confined to a particular war”.
In times when the draft is inactive, private citizens cannot register at COs. Consequently, the best way for COs to prepare for a potential draft is to establish an independent record of one’s beliefs. To facilitate the process, the Peace and Social Justice Center has established a records system to assist in the maintenance of such a file.
So what do you do?
If you are consciously opposed to war, you can begin creating a file by writing a letter, addressing the beliefs which would preclude you from serving in the military. Based upon previous incarnations of the CO form used by those facing the draft, important subjects to address include:
The beliefs you hold which form the basis for your claiming conscientious objection to combatant military training and service or to all military training and service.
How and when you acquired these beliefs. This may include religious teachings, life experiences, or anything else which influences your values. The importance, as with other questions, is not the official governing structure of your beliefs, but the sincerity of these beliefs.
How these beliefs influence the way you live your life. Essentially, this question seeks to establish the conviction of your claims. You can include current activities or future plans, and any relevant information relating to your beliefs, including employment and organizational involvements.
After completing this letter, sign it, and send it to the Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas at 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS, 67214. We’ll review your letter, and contact you to continue the process. The next step will depend on your own wishes. We may offer suggestions for your letter, or encourage you to meet with one of our mentors, or if possible, to obtain letters of support from people who can attest to the sincerity of your claims. A thoroughly documented record of your beliefs will be immeasurably helpful should the draft be reenacted.
Alternative Service?
As a conscientious objector, if drafted, you would be required to give two years of alternative service in a civilian agency, or serve in a military capacity which does not include any combatant training component.
What about women?
Under the current system women are not required to register with the Selective Service, but it is quite possible that if the draft were to be reestablished, gender would no longer be an exemption. Therefore, it is advisable for all people who conscientiously object to war to begin compiling a record and articulating the basis for these beliefs.
Unsure of your beliefs?
Want to talk to someone? We have mentors available from an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds, here to talk with you about your beliefs. No pressure. No expectations. Just people who genuinely want to help you make the decision that fits with your own belief system. For more information, or to arrange a meeting, call Horace Santry of the P&SJC, at (316)263-5886.
What if you are already in the Military?
Provisions have been made in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for individuals to request conscientious objector who are in Military service. Exactly how it is accomplished differs somewhat from Service to Service. A national hot line has been established to advise and support those seeking this status. The G.I. Rights Hotline at 1-800-394-9544 can help. So can the Peace Center.
WEB SITES THAT HAVE MORE INFORMATION:
www.objector.org
www.girights.org
awol.objector.org
More information will be added soon. |
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