Are 'concientious objectors' still allowed to avoid US draft?

[emad]

Big TV debate in UK last night saying COs are still allowed to avoid war duty - even if they are reservists in the territorial army - but that the UK Ministry of Defence deliberately obscures their rights to object on religious/personal moral grounds.

Do they still throw COs in the slammer in the US if they reject?

[papau]

1. CO's are given alternate service as front line medics- but volunteer

military makes one wonder if CO's are even accepted - why would the military hire on someone who does not want to be there?

Or is this in anticipation of a new draft?

In the midwest 50 years ago to be a CO you had to show your beliefs were sincere!

I do not know what the situation is post the voluntary military.

[libertad]

2. There is no draft at present, so it is pretty hard to discuss the draft

right now.

[LynneSin]

4. This is the best time to discuss the draft

because there could be a draft and if you or someone you know is trying to get a CO status, you need to start working it now. You simply cannot go to the draft and say "I Object to the war and therefore I will not serve" You need strong documentation that you object.

Go to http://www.quaker.org for more information about CO status. Scroll down to the Peacemaker links and you'll find several there!!!

[no_hypocrisy]

3. My uncle spent time in Danbury Federal Prison during WWII

because of his pacifist beliefs. The draft board would not recognize his requested CO status. He never regretted it.

P.S. He also sent a congratulatory telegram to Jeanette Rankin on December 8, 1941 for being the sole vote in Congress against declaring war against Japan et al.