Soon after the attacks on Sept. 11, the United States began calling military reservists to active duty.
Although it seems unlikely, there has been talk of a draft. A scary thought for some, and not everyone knows how they would react.
Would you go to war if your number were called? Are you a conscientious objector? Maybe you are wondering what it means to be a conscientious objector means.
Simply stated, the term applies to anyone who opposes war and his own participation in armed combat due to personal, religious or moral convictions.
The military and the Supreme Court officially recognize conscientious objectors. If a person qualifies, they may be granted conscientious objector status by the military or the Selective Service System (SSS), the organization in charge of the draft.
But the term conscientious objector is complicated.
Within 60 days of turning 18, an American male must register for the draft. According to the SSS, about 40 percent fail to do so within this time period.
98 percent of men will register before they turn 20. At 26, men are too old to register. The remaining 2 percent are most likely conscientious objectors, according to the SSS.
Conscientious objection is not defined as a fear of going to war. It is about beliefs.
Conscientious objection “almost always comes out of a faith connection,” according to Andrea Thompson McCall, USM’s assistant to the vice president for Interfaith Programs and Services in Student Development, and ordained minister of 22 years.
McCall said that if everyone who was drafted to war “suddenly found religion and converted overnight,” it would be a mess.
The military has taken steps to prevent such a situation. Therefore, attaining conscientious objection status is not simple.
It is not as easy as packing your bags and crossing the border into Canada.
Applying for conscientious objection status is a long process that must be completed in a minimum of nine days.
The process usually starts long before the threat of a draft. A young man must decide how his beliefs affect his everyday life. If he is drafted and he chooses to apply for conscientious objection status, he must do a series of things.
He must present the beliefs that prevent him from serving in written form before a local board. It must state how he arrived at his beliefs and how they affect his everyday life.
The presence of a religious official who can attest to his statements or multiple letters from acquaintances should be included. If the board rejects his application he may appeal to the Selective Service District Appeal Board. If the vote is against him there (but not unanimous) he may appeal to the National Appeal Board.
If his request is granted, he retains an obligation of two years alternate service. This can include, but is not limited to, conservation, caring for the elderly or youth, education or health care.
Failure to register for the draft can cause legal repercussions, according to the Selective Service. Violators may face up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
When applying for college, federal financial aid will not be awarded unless a young man has registered. He will be denied federal educational grants and loans, job training, or federal employment for life if he is not registered by the age of 26.
Those who gain conscientious objector status are not denied financial aid.
Individual states also have penalties for failure to register. Maine, for instance, will not issue state funding.
There are a relatively small number of conscientious objectors in the United States.
During World War II, 15 million Americans served. 50,000 men were conscientious objectors. During the Vietnam War, one of every 10,000 military registrants was a recognized conscientious objector.
For more information, contact Andrea Thompson. McCall at 228-8284 or visit the following Web sites.
www.nisbco.org
www.sss.gov