Conscientious Objector, not a coward?

Question

I have been given a draft card however I never registered for the draft, nor would I. I'm not sure if I was automatically registered when I registered to vote although I was 17 at the time or perhaps when I got my drivers license, I was 16 at the time, or perhaps I'm not registered at all, and the card and letter is an attempt to weasel me into registering. I unfortunately don't remember what the letter said as it was 4 months ago and I threw it away along with the other half of the card. I want to know if I have been registered. I know my chances of getting in trouble for not registering are slim but I would rather receive any punishment than support the murder of others. If I have been registered how soon do I have to become a conscientious objector?

Answer 1

There is no draft so what are you worried about.

Answer 2

Well, first off, you are supposed to register for selective service. It is the law-- for illegals too. You don't need to do the Cons. Objector thing since there is no active draft. And they take that into account as well.

If and when there is a draft, at that time you can pursue that option. Besides, even IF you were drafted, you COULD still go into a non-combat, non-violent part of the military. there are plenty of those positions-- so you could still serve your country. The selective service is there to draft people for military or heath care needs (e.g. doctors etc. for the military).

From the selective service site----

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
Men who would be classified as Conscientious Objectors if they were drafted must also register with Selective Service. If a draft begins and they are called, they would have the opportunity to file a claim for exemption from military service based upon their religious or moral objection to war.

Answer 3

I've seen those registration sheets in the post office. I think you have to do it by law. The possibility of you actually going anywhere are remote. Luckily for all of us there are still enough people willing to step up to the plate and volunteer. For their sakes, if you are ever drafted, I sincerely hope you go the co route. No need for you getting freaked out and getting any of them killed. That's why I've always agreed with conscientious objectors. In a way they save lives other than their own..Good luck.

Answer 4

Since you likely voted democrat, the chances that people are now going to be drafted is quite high. Expect the punishment for refusing to be severe. Expect them to start cracking down on people who don't register in a timely manner.

That's one of the big differences now that the democrats are in control. It's your own fault things are like this. If you don't like it....tough.

Answer 5

That label you are giving yourself is just a personal label. You do need to sign the draft card and register. The government will find out but you won't go to jail right away or anything. They will most likely send you a notice. Go to the Post Office and they will give you the scoop.

Answer 6

Okay: I strongly object to the draft. First off - it's mandatory only for males. That ALONE is basis for a boycott. It angers me INCREDIBLY that our government is still this sexist in the year two thousand -freaking- six!! I don't know how soon you have .... or if you can even check your status. Being female, I'm not allowed to know. I'm too innately weak to be considered .... but do whatever you can to get out of that B.S.!!

Answer 7

Very good question and you will need to verify my answer because it may be outdated.

From what I understand, you do not have to declare con. objector status until you are ask to 'sign on the dotted line'... meaning not until you were actually drafted would you have to declare this.

I was going to signup as a con. obj when I was in during the 80s but they told me not to worry about it because women didn't see combat. So glad I was not still in the Army now because now women are right in the middle of it.

Answer 8

By law you are supposed to register when you turn 18,its the law.My son was happy to,he has cancer and the armed services will not let him in.And I am proud of him for wanting to serve our country.

Answer 9

Suck down a gallon of prune juice, eat a whole head of cabbage, spoon feed yourself 3cups of Caster Oil and smoke 2packs of cigarettes consecutively, then go to the recruiter I betcha he will dismiss you.

Answer 10

I believe you have to actually be drafted before you can declare yourself an objector.

I salute your stand on principle, however. Wish I'd given the .gov the finger when I was your age.

Answer 11

Most people who claim to be conscientious objectors are either cowards or people who are not willing to do their part.

Besides - pacifism is indefensible from an ethical standpoint anyway.