Battling against unit cohesion in the military

5 thoughts on “Battling against unit cohesion in the military”

1. What about religious beliefs regarding the killing of other human beings?

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   1. That’s what Conscientious Objector status is for — though, in this non-draft era, that is much less of an issue. Per Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscientious_objector#Current_legal_situation):

      Currently, the U.S. Selective Service System states, “Beliefs which qualify a registrant for conscientious objector status may be religious in nature, but don’t have to be. Beliefs may be moral or ethical; however, a man’s reasons for not wanting to participate in a war must not be based on politics, expediency, or self-interest. In general, the man’s lifestyle prior to making his claim must reflect his current claims.”[46] In the US, this applies to primary claims, that is, those filed on initial SSS registration. On the other hand, those who apply after either having registered without filing, and/or having attempted or effected a deferral, are specifically required to demonstrate a discrete and documented change in belief, including a precipitant, that converted a non-CO to a CO. The male reference is due to the current “male only” basis for conscription in the United States.
      In the United States, there are two main criteria for classification as a conscientious objector. First, the objector must be opposed to war in any form, Gillette v. United States, 401 U.S. 437. Second, the objection must be sincere, Witmer v. United States, 348 U.S. 375. That he must show that this opposition is based upon religious training and belief was no longer a criterion after cases broadened it to include non-religious moral belief, United States v. Seeger, 380 U.S. 163 and Welsh v. United States, 398 U.S. 333. COs willing to perform non-combatant military functions are classed 1-A-O by the U.S.; those unwilling to serve at all are 1-O.

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2. If we have that, why do we need this new amendment?

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   1. Because the point is not being able to decline to go into combat, but to be able to decline to go into combat with gay comrades. Because, y’know, Jesus just hates that.

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3. Someone should have fun with McCain and McKeon standing proud with their buddy Akin.

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