If you have come to the decision that you cannot kill or be
part of a war, you are a Conscientious Objector (CO). Your decision may be
based on political, ethical, or religious beliefs. COs are exempt from military
service, but may be required to perform alternative service as civilians if a
draft is enacted. See the following link to the Selective Service System for a
description of Conscientious Objection and Alternative Service http://www.sss.gov/FSconsobj.htm.
In addition to the status of CO, the government also
recognizes Noncombatant Conscientious Objectors. These are persons who are
opposed to killing and war, but are willing to perform noncombatant duties in
the armed forces, such as being a medic. In the event of a draft, Noncombatant
Conscientious Objectors would be trained without weapons and assigned to
noncombatant service.
Registration with The Selective Service is required of all
men within 30 days of their 18th birthday. While women are not
required to register, Congress does have the power to include women in a draft.
Plans for a draft of health care workers include women. Registration carries a
message to the world and to us. To the world it says, we are prepared as a
country to fight. To us it says, if my country calls I am ready to serve.
If you choose not to register, there are consequences. While
few have been prosecuted, the government has the right to seek fines and
imprisonment. Federally supported college funding and job training may be
withheld. Some states are refusing to issue a drivers license. The Central Committee for Conscientious
Objectors (CCCO) offers further guidance on registration and the
consequences of not registering http://www.objector.org/.
There is currently no draft, and it can only be reinstated
with Congressional approval. There are two scenarios for reinstatement:
1) In the two week emergency scenario, a lottery will be held the day after Congress and the President provide authorization. Those called to report to a Military Entrance Processing Center (MEPS) who wish to file a claim as a CO have about one week to do so. Barring that, you will be on a bus to boot camp the day you report to MEPS.
2) In the six month scenario, the timeframes are similar following the start of the lottery.
In either scenario, there is little time to prepare and file
a claim. Thus, those who wish to file for CO status should prepare for the
possibility of the draft being reinstated. Preparation means:
Talk: discuss your
feelings with family, friends, clergy, and draft counselors
Read:explore the writings of Gandhi, Martin Luther
King, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others
Write: record your
thoughts in letters, essays, or a journal and document your activities to establish a record of your
beliefs
Act: volunteer
for organizations that support peace and non-violent action
Military recruiters promise job training and money for
college. This is very enticing when it is not clear what direction to take
after high school. There are financial aid alternatives, and other opportunities
for work and training. The links below can provide guidance, as does CCCO:
If you are currently in the military, AWOL or UA, and need
immediate help, call the GI Rights Hotline (800) 394-9544 or go to this link http://www.objector.org/advice/contents.html.
