Whatever happened to the draft? With a war against Iraq becoming
ever more likely, some politicians have begun to call for a return
to conscription, compulsory military service.
Whatever happened to the draft? With a war against Iraq becoming ever more likely, some politicians have begun to call for a return to conscription, compulsory military service. New York Congressman Charles Rangel, for example, has urged a “return to the tradition of the citizen-soldier,” arguing “if we are going to send our children to war, the governing principle must be shared sacrifice.”
Back in 1991, during the Persian Gulf War waged by the first President Bush, I wrote the following column. I’ve decided to reprint it now because the information it contained seems equally timely today:
The United States ended the draft in 1973, after years of violent protests, draft card burning and escapes to Canada.
Although it would take an Act of Congress to reinstate the draft, the Selective Service System is still in business. Every U.S. male must register within 30 days of his 18th birthday.
Jean Lowe, a draft counselor who began her career working with wives of imprisoned war resisters during World War II, offered a seminar on conscientious objection as part of the Christian Education program of the Campbell United Methodist Church.
She explained that there are some legal ways to avoid the draft: A man can be exempted for medical reasons, if he is a bona fide student for the ministry, or if he is a sole surviving son of a father killed in military service. But student and hardship deferments, common during the Vietnam War, have been all but eliminated.
Conscientious objection, the refusal for ethical reasons to participate in war, is another option. Once available only to Quakers and Mennonites, whose churches historically opposed military action, this status is now open to anyone who can prove a religious, moral or ethical opposition to war so great that his conscience would allow “no rest or peace” should he be forced to participate.
Two different classifications are allowed. The classification 1AO exempts the man from training and service as a combatant, but he may still work for the military in a noncombatant role, for example as a medic or clerk.
Someone classified as 1O, however, is excused from all service in the armed forces. He may be assigned, instead, to work for a non-profit charitable institution, such as a hospital or church or a civilian governmental agency.
The Selective Service System makes it difficult to achieve CO status. There is no space to make this claim on the draft registration form itself, but only on other forms which are available as induction approaches.
It is important that someone document his beliefs early and clearly. There are complex emotional, intellectual and moral issues involved; a draft board is not likely to be swayed by what seems sudden and convenient conversion to pacifism.
A person will be asked to explain his beliefs and describe how they were acquired. References to the work of Gandhi and Dr. King can be as persuasive as teachings of an organized religion. It is important to show how these beliefs affect daily life. Letters from clergy, teachers and friends that verify the sincerity of one’s views also are helpful.
Some churches are notably supportive of conscientious objectors. The United Methodist Church, for example, officially opposes compulsory military service. Its Board of Church and Society provides a document for members to officially record their claims to conscientious objector status. This is dated and kept on file as evidence of deeply held belief.
A wealth of information on this topic is available from the American Friends Service Committee: check the Internet at www.afsc.org/youthmil/choices
