Draft Resistors

Kelly R. Webb

A draft resistor or conscientious objector is an individual who, with sincere conviction that is motivated by conscience, cannot take part in either all forms or in particular aspects of war. There have been many examples and ways of resisting armed service throughout the history of the United States. During Vietnam, for example, many young men refused to appear for military obligations and often engaged in a public declaration of resistance by burning their draft card. Others, more silently and anonymously, merely crossed the border. Both then and now, members of the armed forces claimed conscientious objector status. The U.S. government recognizes two types of conscientious objectors: (1) those who, by reason of religious, ethical, or moral belief, are conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form and (2) noncombatant conscientious objectors, who are opposed to killing in war in any form but who do not object to performing ...

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