The U.S. military spends over $2.5 billion each year to recruit young people into its ranks (Be all that you can be...an Army of one, etc). Exciting military ads portray the military as adventure, money for college, job training, and personal fulfillment. But ads and often recruiters don’t mention the moral dimensions of the military or the dehumanization of military training and war. People who join the military often do not have a realistic concept of what they are getting into; they may not be fully informed about the sexism, racism, homophobia, or strict regimen of the military. These realities may not become apparent until the person enters the military – sometimes as early as basic training, other times when faced with the reality of killing other human beings. Thus, people who joined the military may find they are asked to do things that violate their conscience. Often, they do not know about conscientious objection or realize that it fits with their beliefs. Others may find that they cannot participate in particular wars or battles for various reasons. For instance, during the Gulf War, many service members stated that they could not kill for oil; during the war in Vietnam, many people of color could not justify fighting for a country that denied them their rights at home. ("Conscientious objection" may be too narrow a term to describe all the reasons service members may resist; thus the term "military resisters" is sometimes used.) In the U.S. military, conscientious objection is a privilege, not a legal right. In all cases, the applicant must go through a process; CO status is not automatically granted. The Military Selective Service Act and government regulations do recognize two types of conscientious objectors: Conscientious objector to all forms of military service (Class 1-0): These people, by reason of religious, ethical, or moral belief, are opposed to participation in war in any form. In the event of a draft, they are exempt from military service, although they may be required to perform alternative civilian service. If already in the military, they may be discharged (cutting off all legal ties with the military). Noncombatant conscientious objector (Class 1-A-O): These people, by reason of religious, ethical, or moral belief, are opposed to killing in war in any form and to bearing arms but do not object to performing noncombatant duties in the military. They can be reassigned to noncombatant duties; this does not, however, keep them from being deployed to a combat zone. The military does not recognize selective conscientious objection or resistance. In military terms, conscientious objection only applies to participation in war, not (necessarily) all forms of force or violence (such as personal self-defense). (War is a nation’s organized and orchestrated use of deadly force to further a policy objective.) Because of these regulations, some military resisters have served jail time rather than participate in a military system or fight in wars they did not believe in. To get a discharge or reassignment as a CO, you must submit a written application to your commanding officer. In it, you must describe the nature of your beliefs about participation in war; how your beliefs changed or developed since you entered the military; when and why you felt you could no longer continue service in the military because of your beliefs; and how your daily lifestyle has changed as a result of your beliefs. Letters of support should also be included. Then you will have three interviews: with a psychiatrist, a military chaplain, and an investigation officer. On the basis of this information, the military will determine whether it believes you to be a CO. Getting an early discharge is not easy, and the procedures are often quite complicated. In addition, COs often face stereotypes and may be judged not on the sincerity of their beliefs or the legal definitions, but whether they fit the stereotype. It is best to contact a trained counselor, such as those at the GI Rights Hotline (www.girights.org). There are also many other types of discharges, such as hardship, that may fit your situation. During times of war, the process
for separation from the military becomes even more difficult and
filled with obstacles and harassment, especially for those filing
CO claims. Preparation time may be very limited, as CO applicants
may face imminent activation or deployment. (In fact, the armed
forces are allowed to deploy a person who has already filed a CO
claim.) It is crucial that as much time as possible be spent on
a CO application. Emphasizing how beliefs against participation
in war began before the current crisis (or before the applicant
knew that it would affect her or him) is important. CO applicants
should work closely with military counselors or lawyers. |
