Locahontas said:
I can't lie...those commercials be lookin pretty damn good!!!!!
What I'm asking is AFTER THEY ARE ALREADY ENLISTED, DO THEY HAVE A CHOICE ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO FIGHT? Can they say, 'Look Georgie, I'm not really feelin this shit. I think I'll just sit this one out?'
If not, what will happen if they do?
YES!
If you would like to remain in the military you can become a conscientious objector if you want out completely you can file for discharge or seperation. Here is some info about those options:
http://girights.objector.org/gettingout/co.html
Conscientious Objection
A conscientious objector (CO) is a person who believes that it is wrong to kill another human being in war. The military defines conscientious objection as a "firm, fixed and sincere objection to war in any form or the bearing of arms" because of deeply-held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. A lot of people in the military believe it's too late to be a CO now that they have enlisted, but the fact is many people realize they are opposed to participation in war after joining the military, and they are discharged as COs.
What do you think about war? Do you think it is morally wrong? Why? Are there any situations in which you would be willing to fight in a war? These are questions you will have to answer when applying for conscientious objector status.
Applying for CO status can be a long and difficult process. To get a discharge or reassignment as a conscientious objector, you must submit a written application to your commanding officer. In this application you must describe
the nature of your beliefs about participation in war;
how your beliefs changed or developed since you entered the military;
when and why you felt you could no longer continue serving in the military because of your beliefs; and
how your daily lifestyle has changed as a result of your beliefs.
further information required in the application.
After handing in your application, you will have three interviews: with a psychiatrist, a military chaplain, and an investigating officer. At the investigating officer's hearing you have a right to be represented by counsel--this can be a lawyer or a counselor. You may also bring witnesses--friends, family, a clergy member, or fellow military service members who can speak in support of you and your claim. The investigating officer will recommend to your commanding officer whether or not you should receive conscientious objector status.
Fact Sheet: Conscientious Objection
http://girights.objector.org/gettingout/conscientious-objection.html#38276
http://girights.objector.org/gettingout/needtoknow.html#76154
Things You Need to Know About Seeking a Discharge
You Are Not Alone
When trying for a discharge you may find yourself up against some tough obstacles. The military won't let you go easily, unless you've somehow convinced your command that a lot of money and time will be wasted in forcing you to stay in. Working for your freedom and for justice is always a struggle. You will need practical support and someone to help you keep your spirits up. There are many civilian counselors around the country to help you who can be contacted through the GI Rights Hotline.
Remember, above all, that you are not alone. Thousands of military servicemembers have problems similar to yours, and most find a way to resolve them. You will, too.
Filing Complaints in the Military
As you are well aware, civil rights and rights to redress of grievances are limited for members of the military. However, there are steps you can take if you feel you have been wronged by your command, including filing a complaint with the base Inspector General or Equal Opportunity Office, filing a complaint under Article 138 of the UCMJ, contacting your Member of Congress, and contacting civil rights groups concerned about the welfare of members of the military.
A complaint may be based on: race or sex discrimination, hazing, sexual harassment, sexual assault, religious discrimination, improper medical attention, an unfair transfer, illegal extra duty, denial of leave or transfer, denial of discharge, being forced to obey an illegal order, or your command's failure to process a claim for discharge.
For more information on filing complaints, visit
www.objector.org/girights/grievances.html or call us.
Discharge or Separation?
A "discharge" completely cuts off all legal ties a person has to the military. "Separation" is a more general term which includes discharge, release from active duty, transfer to the inactive reserves, and similar changes in active or reserve status. For example, if your application for a discharge for "conscientious objection" is approved, you will be discharged with no possibility of being called for active duty. However, if you were given an early release for a hardship in your family or for pregnancy, you would be "separated," but not necessarily discharged. Many separations result in a transfer to the inactive reserves (the Individual Ready Reserve) for the rest of your enlistment and you are still eligible for call-up in a mobilization.
An Honorable Discharge?
This booklet does not discuss the Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) or Dishonorable Discharge (DD), which are "punitive" discharges resulting only from a special or general court-martial. Instead, this booklet deals with "administrative" separations.
The "character" of your separation is the description that appears on your discharge or separation papers. It may be Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH), or an Entry Level Separation (ELS). "Characterization" is different from the "reason" for discharge, which will also appear on your discharge papers. Reasons for discharge are discussed in the next section.
You will get an Honorable discharge if you have met the standards of conduct and performance. Always request an Honorable discharge when you are trying for any of these separations.
You may receive a General discharge if your military service has been good, but you have some stains on your record, like a few Article 15s or some bad performance evaluations.
A pattern of bad behavior can result in an Other Than Honorable discharge. But before this can happen, you have a right to a hearing with an Administrative Board. Talk to a counselor or attorney about this.
You will receive an Entry Level Separation if separation processing is begun while you're still in "entry level status" (generally, the first six months of active duty). This uncharacterized separation is neither honorable nor less then honorable because you have not been in the military long enough to develop a record. With an Entry Level Separation, you are not entitled to the usual veterans benefits.
With either an Honorable or General separation, you will be entitled to veterans benefits. But an OTH may result in a loss of benefits. It may also cause problems in getting a job if a civilian employer asks to see your discharge papers and is prejudiced by a bad discharge. If you have heard a rumor that your discharge will be automatically "upgraded" to honorable six months after discharge--don't believe it! It's not true. Upgrading a discharge is a complicated process and not always successful. Sometimes, in pursuing a discharge, you will have to choose: How much do you want the discharge, although it could hurt your record or cost you your benefits? Would you rather remain in the military and hope your discharge will be honorable?
It's a difficult decision. A counselor can help you think it through.
Viewing Regulations
All discharges are based on regulations. Reading the discharge regulation for your Service may give you more specific information about a particular discharge than this guide can provide. To find the regulation you need, use the references we provide with the discharge summaries below.
You can try to view discharge regulations at your base. Most regulations are now available online. For links, visit
www.objector.org/helpingout/military-regulations.html.
