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.
Why would someone be a conscientious objector?
A conscientious objector is an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service” on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion. In some countries, conscientious objectors are assigned to an alternative civilian service as a substitute for conscription or military service.
What is a conscientious objector to war?
A conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles .
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.
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.
Why did the US public feel the draft was unfair?
The draft was viewed as unequal because the working class man's only choice was to go to war , while the wealthy men would go to college or enlist in the National Guard. By the end of the 1960's the nation was fed up with the war, and they were angry with how the war itself was being carried out.
What happens if you get drafted and refuse to go?
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.
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.
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 .
Is being a conscientious objector legal?
United States v. Seeger, 1965, ruled that a person can claim conscientious objector status based on religious study and conviction that has a similar position in that person's life to the belief in God, without a concrete belief in God.
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.
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 .
Can soldiers refuse to go to war?
In fact, a soldier has a legal duty to refuse to carry out an order that breaches the provisions of international statutes that deals with the conduct of war such as the Geneva conventions or the conventions of The Hague.
Can I refuse to be drafted?
On paper, it's a crime to “knowingly fail or neglect or refuse” to register for the draft. The penalty is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Last year, Selective Service referred 112,051 names and addresses of suspected violators to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.
What happened to conscientious objectors during World war II?
Over the course of the war, some conscientious objectors were actually taken with their regiments to France, where one could be shot for refusing to obey a military order . Thirty-four were sentenced to death after being court martialled but had their sentences commuted to penal servitude.
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.
