Large numbers of people resisted military service, claiming to be conscientious objectors, people whose personal beliefs are incompatible with military service. These young men were prosecuted criminally for refusal to comply with draft board orders calling them into military service for the Vietnam War .
How many conscientious objectors were there in the Vietnam War?
Vietnam War
Over the duration of the conflict, the Selective Service recognized 171,000 conscientious objectors ; 3,275 soldiers received discharges for conscientious objector status that developed after their induction into the military.
What did conscientious objectors do during the war?
For those who chose to stand as conscientious objectors, their options were few: join the armed forces and serve in a non-combat role (usually as a medic), volunteer for the Civilian Public Service program, or go to jail.
Do conscientious objectors go to jail?
Conscientious objectors usually refused to serve on religious grounds, such as being Jehovah's Witnesses, and were placed in prison for the duration of their sentences .
Why were conscientious objectors treated so badly?
These ‘conscientious objectors' claimed exemption on grounds of their pacifist, political or religious beliefs. Conscientious objectors became the targets of abuse . They were made to feel guilty for not supporting their country.
Can you refuse the draft?
What Happens If You Don't Register for Selective Service. If you are required to register and you don't, you will not be eligible for federal student aid, federal job training, or a federal job. You may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or jail time of up to five years.
Are conscientious objectors cowards?
Conscientious Objectors were often labelled cowards but one thing that these men cannot be denied is courage, as it took great bravery to stand up and declare their principles in the face of great disapproval.
Is conscientious objection legal?
The right to conscientious objection is founded on human rights to act according to individuals' religious and other conscience. ... There are legal limits to conscientious objection . Laws in some jurisdictions unethically abuse religious conscience by granting excessive rights to refuse care..
What happens if you are a conscientious objector?
Service as a Conscientious Objector
The person whose beliefs allow him to serve in the military but in a noncombatant capacity will serve in the Armed Forces but will not be assigned training or duties that include using weapons .
Are Jehovah Witnesses conscientious objectors?
Dozens of Jehovah's Witnesses in South Korea have arrived in jail as conscientious objectors – but, for the first time, they are not there as convicts. Instead, they are now there as civilian administrators. Military conscription is mandatory in South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North.
Who was the most famous conscientious objector?
Private First Class Desmond T. Doss of Lynchburg, Virginia, is presented the Medal of Honor for outstanding bravery as a medical corpsman, the first conscientious objector in American history to receive the nation's highest military award.
What happened if you refused to fight in ww1?
However, there were a few men who refused to take part in any aspect of the war, refusing even to put on an army uniform. They were typically known as absolutists. These men were usually court marshalled, imprisoned and in a number of cases brutalised .
What was the punishment for conscientious objectors?
Conscientious objectors to military service face a number of serious and negative implications for their refusal to perform military service, when the right of conscientious objection is not recognised in their country. These implications can include prosecution and imprisonment, sometimes repeatedly, as well as fines .
What was conscription in World war One?
Conscription introduced
In January 1916 the Military Service Act was passed. This imposed conscription on all single men aged between 18 and 41 , but exempted the medically unfit, clergymen, teachers and certain classes of industrial worker.
Can I be drafted if im the only son?
the “only son”, “the last son to carry the family name,” and ” sole surviving son” must register with Selective Service . These sons can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.
What happens if you say no to the draft?
If you get a draft notice, show up, and refuse induction , you'll probably be prosecuted. However, some people will slip through the cracks in the system, and some will win in court. If you show up and take the physical, there's a good chance that you'll flunk.
