Reply #185: Welcome to DU, Kevin and Monica!

[Sparkly]

"Kevin's case, and the mess going on with the Conscientious Objector application need to be talked about because there are about 2000 soldiers who have been denied CO status. We want to show them that they have options, and we want them to know that they shouldn't give up."

No doubt it's confusing and frightening for many of them. It must take a lot of courage and presence of mind to go against all the group-think of military training.

Reading some of the links in the OP, I'm not sure what option there is for most soldiers. Denied CO status, wouldn't they face the same charges of desertion, and even face court-martial?

If they're looking to your case, Kevin, to see what happens before making a decision, what will happen if the government uses you as an "example" for others -- what is the worst you might face from them?

I hope something can be done to allow people like you to succeed in pursuing CO status. There's a reason it exists! And clearly, our soldiers didn't enlist to risk their lives and kill innocent people for BushCo's profits.

Thanks for being here, and taking the time to answer questions! :hi: