Draft Preparation

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Preparing For the Draft: FAQ from Quaker House

Posted October 2004

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Q. Will the military draft return?

A. We don’t know the future. What we do know is that the current US. military is

seriously overstretched, with no relief in sight. We also know that the military

is trying various " quick fixes " to close the gaps, and they don’t seem to be

working. (For more on this, go to the Quaker House website:

www.quakerhouse.org/draft-return.htm) Many military professionals have also

raised alarms about how over-stretched the " volunteer " US military now is, and

how this might point to the draft’s return. Two such sources are:

www.optruth.org/ or a new report from The Century Foundation -- www.tcf.org)

Q. If the Draft returns, how can we prepare?

A. We are often asked what can be done now to protect you or your children from

being selected in the event of a draft.

Because there is no draft today, no one can say exactly what the rules and

procedures would be. However, it seems safe to assume that a future draft would

not call up persons who are currently unqualified or unacceptable for military

service.

So what a person can do now is to create a file documenting any problems or

restrictions, so if the draft returns they would have necessary paperwork ready

and complete on short notice.

Q. What about medical/health conditions?

A. Many medical conditions will keep people out of the military. Research them

online as Standards of Medical Fitness. Collect and copy all medical files, and

get a thorough physical exam with special attention to any problems that could

interfere with service. Make sure previously unexplored aches, pains, and

injuries, are examined and noted.

Keep a history of psychological problems or treatments and medications. Note

periods of stress such as difficult times in school, parental divorce, or death

of a loved one. Seeking counseling for any current problems can create a paper

trail where one might not otherwise exist.

Q. What if I’m gay, lesbian or bisexual?

A. The military currently excludes open gays. Discuss any homosexual or bisexual

orientation with someone you have confidence in, yet who could still credibly

attest to your orientation if necessary. For instance, a trusted pastor would

likely be more credible than a teenage best friend.

Q. What about Drug Use/Criminal records?

A. We do not encourage either illegal drug use or lawbreaking. But if you have a

history of either, they have kept many people out of the military. Here too,

having complete records will be important.

Q. What if I want to be a Conscientious Objector (CO)?

A. Today, the only formal CO regulations are for persons already in the

military. The key sections of these military regulations demand that CO

claimants not only explain their pacifist beliefs, but also document a track

record of acting on them. As the Bible says: " Be ye doers of the word, and not

hearers only. " ( 1:22)

Q. How can I establish a CO " track record " ?

A. Again, there are no formal regulations for future CO claims. But our advice

is to document carefully your religious or philosophical objections to war and

violence, and your actions for peace. Speak with a sympathetic pastor or mentor,

one who could vouch for you later, about your antiwar beliefs. Express them in

letters to the editor or other forms of dated publication. Register them with

your meeting or church, or a national CO registry like the Center for Conscience

and War in Washington DC (www. nisbco.org). Collect news articles, flyers, or

photos from marches, vigils or prayer services attended, and other related

documents.

As sources to support CO claims, medical professionals, public officials,

religious leaders, school guidance counselors, and current and former military

servicemembers (the higher ranking the better) generally have more credibility.

Non-family members are considered less biased. Parents and family can still be

good sources, but better to include statements by these others when possible.

Q. What if I don’t want to register with Selective Service?

A. There are automatic federal and state penalties for declining to register

(Info at: www.sss.gov ). Registration is also automatic in many states (32 at

last count), when you get a driver’s license. As this shows, in today’s

no-privacy electronic society, the Selective Service could likely find almost

anyone if it went looking.

Q. If I do register, can I claim CO status then?

A. Not in the legal sense. There is no line on the SSS registration form to

state a CO claim. But here is something a young man can do.

1. Write a phrase like, I AM A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR on blank spaces on the

registration form, in clear block letters.

2. Make copies of the form, then mail one copy to yourself, and another to

someone who has agreed to receive it.

3. Do not open the envelopes with your copies when they arrive. Keep them with

your file of CO-related documents.

4. If the draft returns, this copy, and your file, should help substantiate your

CO claim. (But remember: there are no guarantees!)

Q. How can I keep up with bills to restart the draft?

A. Beware of vague rumors spread on the internet! The Friends Committee on

National Legislation (www.fcnl.org) will track such proposals carefully and

accurately.

– Steve Woolford & Chuck Fager

Quaker House of Fayetteville has been a front-line Friends peace project since

1969. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, write:

Quaker House at: 223 Hillside Ave., Fayetteville NC 28301. Or check our website

at: www.quakerhouse.org.

Please copy, post and distribute this FAQ freely.

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