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1. PURPOSE OF A MILITARY
A military is an important facet of the identity and political independence of the nation because, it symbolizes the establishment of a sovereign state and which will defend its existence as a corporate entity. The military is thus designed to serve in the best interests of the state as defined by the ruling party, and to violently defend the ideals that the state represents. War benefits the political and military leadership and the industrial giants and financial institutions, while to the detriment of individuals, society and civilization. The attitude of the state is that military production and recruits are expendable and renewable.
2. THE VOCATION OF THE SOLDIER
Soldiers are trained to kill, and this is expected of them. The soldier fulfills his obligation when he kills or destroys property belonging to the enemy in a foreign land. Wars are won only by killing more of the enemy and destroying more of their property, than they destroy of you and your property. Wars are fought to be won, not to be lost. A soldier is not in the military to give his life for his country, but to make sure that the enemy gives up his life for his country and as many that he can without losing his own life in the process. Others that are members of the military have the responsibility to assist the soldier in valiantly performing his task, whether giving him the orders to kill and destroy, supplying him with the weapons or equipment necessary to perform this task, tending to his wounds if he is wounded, or by comforting and encouraging him when he loses courage. Non-combatants also support the war effort.
3. WAR WILL NEVER END
There is no justification to armed conflict, because violence propagates more violence. There will never be a war to end war. A person proceeding to battle convinced he will institute peace will not terminate war, but will only contribute to and continue the incessant history of warfare and the manufacture of weapons and military equipment. After the conclusion of one conflict another will arise shortly after in another region and between other nations. The only manner of ceasing war is to refuse to be part of it, even if on an individual basis.
Jesus said, “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not near.” Mark 13:7. He was absolutely right. Armed military conflict has existed from the initial stages of civilization and news of them travels to other areas rapidly.
4. WAR AND PENALTY UNDER THE OLD COVENANT
God dealt with His nation Israel and the other nations of the middle East in the manner of their culture and era. God’s perfect law included many accommodations due to the uncivilized nature of their society. The first documented war in the Old Testament is in Gen 14, when the patriarch Abraham armed his servant warriors to defeat 4 alien kings and their armies.
God utilized the arrival of the new nation of Israel to the promised land to execute His judgment and penalty upon the indigenous nations of Canaan for their crimes. The history of the wars against the Canaanites is documented in the book of Joshua. God did utilize the nation of Israel to impose penalty on local nations whenever their individual and national crimes increased to some intolerable extent. The reverse would also occur when Israel would sin against God. He would summon a local pagan nation to invade Israel and execute the penalty on them. Judg 2:14 Such use of the army of Israel in establishing the kingdom and imposing the judgment of God upon the nations was the typical course of national life during the years of the kings of both Israel and Judah, and continued until the war of independence under the forces of the Maccabees.
An indication that a military was not the perfect will of God, but only a temporary accommodation, is evidenced in the reprimand of Samuel prophet when the people of Israel requested a king. I Sam 8. They people wanted a military leader to rule over them and be militarized like the balance of the nations. Although it was not the perfect will of God, he accommodated them and granted their request.
Another incident to be noted are the words of God to David king, that the temple could not be constructed by him because he was a soldier during his career. I Chron 28:3. Only a person not contaminated by bloodshed could build the temple, and this was Solomon.
5. JUSTICE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The 6th Commandment is “Do not murder.” Although translated as, Do not kill. Ex . No person had the right to arbitrarily deprive another person of their life, and if he did he would have to face the penalty. Subsequent commandments were instituted to curb violence.
During the Old Testament era capital punishment for a capital crime was legislated by God. The purpose of capital punishment was to provide justice to the offended party and those affected by the seriousness of the crime, and also to deter future criminal infraction. Deut 13:5, 10-11. With a speedy trial and conviction by responsible members of the community and their execution of the criminal, crime was to decrease and people would be able to live in greater security. Capital punishment for a capital crime is justice, and is classified separately from military combat. To deprive a person of their life was a serious matter and was regulated by the law of God.
6. THE COMING MESSIAH OF ISRAEL
The use of a military to fulfill the objectives of God in imposing His penalty on disobedient nations, or to defend themselves was only temporary. As it began with Abraham their national progenitor, so it ended with the final military king and priest of Israel , Simon son of Mattathias. 1 Macc 15.
The following passages are prophesies of Isaiah, Micah and Zechariah. The prophecies quoted here pertain to the Redeemer of Israel, the future Messiah, and deal with the termination of the military of Israel and the transition into a pacifist society at the time of the installation of his Messianic kingdom.
He will judge between the nations, and will decide for many peoples; and they will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Is 2:4. Micah 4:1-3.
For every boot of the trampling warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called: Wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, price of peace. Is 9:5-6.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion . Shout, daughter of Jerusalem . Behold, your king comes to you righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem , and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Zech 9:9-10
The new redeemer of Israel , the Messiah, was to install a new type of kingdom or government that would not utilize or have need of a military. Is 2:4 refers to the conversion of the production of factories from weapons and artillery to that of agricultural implements. Military preparation, training and enlistment will terminate in this new kingdom. Is 9:5 refers to the destruction of weapons and armaments. War will cease to exist in the kingdom of the Messiah.
7. THE DIVINE KINGDOM AND THE NEW COVENANT
John the Baptizer first taught the people the good news of the divine kingdom of God . Matt 3:1. After John was committed to prison, shortly after the 40 day fast of Jesus in the desert, Jesus began the proclamation saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of heaven is arriving. Repent and believe in the good news.” Mark . The gospel of the kingdom was the primary topic of the ministry of Jesus Christ during his 3-1/2 year career.
The divine kingdom materialized on Pentecost among the 120 gathered in the upper room when the holy Spirit descended upon them. With the baptism of the Spirit they entered the divine kingdom of God and became its citizens. Although they were in this world, they were members of a realm which had its capital in heaven. Although the disciples of Jesus Christ reside in the world, they are not part of the world. John 17:16.
The establishment of the divine kingdom on this day also meant the fulfillment of the prophesies of Isaiah, Micah and Zechariah among the members of the new kingdom of the Messiah Jesus.
The New Covenant was instituted by Christ at the Passover supper, when he told his disciples to “Drink of this cup of my blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.” Matt 26:27. The teaching of non-violence of the New Testament replaces the teachings of war and aggression of the Old Testament.
8. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
When Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, he was asked if he was a king. Jesus answered in these words, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. Pilate could not grasp the concept of a person being a ruler over some intangible or incorporeal government or realm. He was perplexed, but then concluded that Jesus was of no threat to his rule as governor over Judea or to the Roman Empire , and so wanted to free him. The Jews persecuting Jesus likewise could not grasp his message and preferred a militant king who would gather an army and lead Israel to overthrow the Romans and institute a material kingdom similar to those of Old Testament eras. They could not fathom the concept that the Messianic Kingdom of the New Testament is the divine Kingdom of God. (American churches are no different.)
That violence is not a solution to a conflict of ideas or physical altercation was exemplified by Jesus Christ when he was arrested by the Roman soldiers.
And behold one of those (Peter) who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Matt 26:51-52.
Jesus followed this reprimand of Peter by healing the wound on the soldier, and then stating that if it was the will of God that he should defend himself from the arresting officers, he could summon Angels from heaven to rescue him. Matt 26:53.
9. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
In the Sermon on the Mount, the most studied and applicable passage of the New Testament for disciples of Jesus Messiah, he makes 2 most profound statements.
“You have heard it said of old, Do not kill, and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, that every one who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Matt 5:21-22
“You have heard it said, And eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matt 5:38-39.
“You have heard it was said, You will love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matt 5:43-44.
In these passages Jesus forbid his disciples to kill and be violent, or even to become angry. As Messiah of Israel, Jesus perfected the law of God, and taught that no longer was violence, hate, anger, malice, or vengeance to exist among the members of his new church.
When Jesus said, “Resist not evil,” he did not want his countrymen to any more retaliate against their military occupation. Aggression was not to be used against the Romans by Jews. Jesus wanted them both to live in a mutual peaceful coexistence. His Jewish countrymen did not have to like the Romans; only to restrain themselves from retaliation due to offenses. The statement of Christ, “Love your enemies,” was to impress upon his fellow Jews that the Romans should not be considered their enemy. The true Christian does not consider some foreign nation the enemy, because he transcends world politics as a member of the Spiritual Kingdom of God.
10. TERMINATION OF WAR
Armed combat and military service now terminates with the establishment of the Spiritual Kingdom for those that are members of it: they are the Church of Christ , the adherents of the New Covenant, the disciples of Jesus the Messiah of Israel. The fulfillment of the prophesies of Isaiah, Micah and Zechariah, now materialize in this Spiritual Kingdom . The concept of Christian pacifism and non-resistance to aggression and violence under the Prince of Peace replaces the military struggle against enemies under the ancient kingdom of Israel , now obsolete. No more are God’s people to become involved in the manufacture of weapons and military equipment; this vocation is replaced by those that promote the society and are aimed toward peace and harmony.
11. THE REAL WAR
For the true Christian, the real war is a spiritual war. It is the war against sin, against the lust of the flesh, and the victory is gained in defeating temptation. Paul apostle defined it in the following terms:
Put on the entire armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we do not contend against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of evil in high places. Eph 6:11-12.
Paul apostle wrote the letter to the Ephesians during his 2 year imprisonment at Caesarea . There were Roman soldiers stationed in the prison as sentries, and no doubt an entire regiment or battalion always in training for combat. This led Paul apostle to utilize the vocation and gear of the imperial soldier to apply to the real war of the spiritual soldier. The enemy according to Paul apostle is not flesh and blood, it is not the person on the battlefield. The real enemy is the impulse inside a person that causes him and her to inflict damage and act violently. Sin and lust is the real enemy, and the real victory is gained when temptation is defeated. James apostle also realized this.
What causes wars, and what causes fighting among you? It is not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and wage war. Jam 4:1-2.
The real war is against the flawed nature of humanity which contains this impulse of aggression and retaliation. The real war is won with faith and with a knowledge of the word of God. Using these spiritual weapons a person can defend themselves from temptation and gain the spiritual victory.
12. THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD
During the initial 300 years after the ministry of Jesus Christ the members of the newly-formed Christian churches and Messianic communities abstained from combat and military service. The earliest of these were the Messianic Jews of the apostolic period. These Jews fled Judea to the east side of the Jordan River by prophecy to escape the invasion of Judea by the Roman army in the years 66-70 AD. The Jewish Christians of Judea were delivered from catastrophe on the east side of the Jordan River and Dead Sea . None of the Messianic Jews joined the Jewish revolutionaries or took up arms to defend their country from invasion by the Roman army or in the defense of Jerusalem during the siege.
The evidence provided by historians of the Apostolic era indicates that early Christians refused to be part of the Roman military. The Christian religion was different than the balance of religions and philosophies in the Roman Empire in its attitude towards war and military service. They identified the insignias, flags, oaths, and practices of the military with pagan and idolatrous rites. The gospel the apologists received from the apostles and their direct spiritual descendents was that the cessation of war and its preparation was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that a renouncement of military service was required for the members of the Christian church. Because of this attitudemany endured persecution and to their death.
13. SEMEON MATVEICH UKLEIN
The primary preceptor of the Russian Molokans was Semeon Uklein, who preached from 1760 to 1805 throughout central Russia . Uklein met Matvei Semeonovich Dalmatov, a teacher of the Judaizers several years his senior, and converted him over to his Spiritual Christian understanding of the Bible. The 2 of them together compiled a confession of faith of the Molokan religion. Point 23 of his teaching is the following:
About oaths and war. Fulfilling the divine commandments, they Molokans do not have need for human ones, and must escape the fulfillment of those laws which are contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. So they must, for example, escape servility to landowners, war, military obligation, and oaths, and matters not permitted by the Holy Scriptures. (Spirit and Life, page ).
The Molokans in Russian have historically been conscientious objectors, and over the years have suffered imprisonment and exile for refusing to join the military.
14. DAVID YESSEYEVICH BULGAKOFF
David Yesseyevich in 1833 at the age of about 24 was involuntarily conscripted into the army of Imperial Russia. While attempting to train him he was filled with the Holy Spirit and refused to continue. The officers held this to be a breach of military discipline and sentenced him to execution. By a miraculous intervention of God he was saved from execution, but then was sentenced to prison, where he sat for 2 years. After his prison term he was transferred to the Caucasus, where he was finally discharged from the military and allowed to return to his Molokan community.
15. MAXIM GAVRILOVICH RUDOMETKIN
Maxim Gavrilovich, while in prison for preaching the imminent arrival of Christ and the beginning of the millennial Kingdom, wrote the following:
The omnipotent God, by way of His all-encompassing love, at the end of the Hebrew Kingdom and its strict legal discipline, revealed to all men dwelling in the world personally His first-born Son, Jesus Christ, and thus abolished the ancient dynasty of the house of David. Through Him, God everywhere published the new divine law and the true faith in Christ, so that we the true believers might live without the knife and sword as sons of the new world; that we might repulse every enemy with the Word of God and the Spirit of the power of His wisdom as with a rod of iron, and not with the armed riot of the immemorial designs of the spirit of the devil, the deceiver of all the world. (Spirit and Life, page 480-481.)
These words have served as a creed for the Molokans as testimony of conscientious objection to military service. Rudometkin in his letters also states that those who participate in armed conflict will answer to God for all the misery and destruction caused by them.
16. LATER MOLOKAN OBJECTION TO MILITARY SERVICE
As a result of their pacifist convictions, Molokans would not participate in the mandatory conscription imposed by Tsar Alexander III in the years 1887-1889. Rather than opposing any further persecution by the Tsarist government, they migrated out of Russia to America . About 3,500 Molokans migrated to the west coast of America in the years 1904-1911.
After the entrance of America into WW1, on May 18, 1917 , military conscription began and all men between the ages of 21 to 31 were required to register to determine their suitability for military service. The Selective Service law did contain a stipulation for conscientious objectors, but this was limited to non-combatant service as determined by the President. As a result 3 Molokans elders were nominated, who composed a petition and then traveled to Washington , D.C. , to present it to Selective Service officials. The 3 men were Philip M. Shubin, Ivan G. Samarin and Mikhail P. Pivovarov. In a subsequent letter, General Crowder informed them that the members of the Molokan community requesting conscientious objector status would be granted their request. A few Molokans from Arizona were sentenced to federal prison at this time.
In September of 1940, Congress passed a Universal Selective Service law requiring compulsory military service for all men between the ages of 18 and 45. As a result of this a petition was composed by elder Ivan G. Samarin to both the Selective Service office and to then President Roosevelt. Molokan Delegates David P. Miloserdoff, Walter P. Shinen, and John K. Berokoff. traveled to Washington , D.C. , in October of 1940 to present petitions. The response from the Selective Service System was the grant of C.O. status to those Molokans who would follow due process as defined by them and who would then be assigned, “work of national importance under civilian direction.” The number of young Molokans assigned to Civilian Public Service camps reached a high of 88. A few young Molokans refused alternative civilian service and served time in federal prison.
Military conscription was introduced during the height of the Viet-Nam War. Young Molokans followed due process of law to acquire a C.O. exemption and worked 2 years in charity or hospital jobs as alternative service. The draft and registration were finally discontinued in 1975 after the conclusion of the Viet-Nam War. Registration was reinstituted under President Jimmy Carter in 1980.
17. MOLOKANS AND THE STATE
There are 2 passages in the New Testament that deal with the obedience of the Christian to the state and the role of the security force or police.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval, for he is a servant of God for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the criminal. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Rom 13:1-7.
Be subject for the sake of the Lord to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 1 Pet 2:13-14.
Paul apostle prefaces his passage by stating that the concept of government is divine, meaning that the motivation to establish a ruling body over the population for civil purposes is based on a correct understanding of the intention of God for humanity. The statement by Paul apostle that the civil servant carries a sword to be utilized is to be understood as the responsibility of the state to provide safety and security for the population. The state has the authority granted to it by God to impose a penalty on individuals who commit a crime, even capital punishment for a capital crime. Any violation of just laws by a Molokan discredits our religion.
The extent of civil obedience is defined by Jesus in a conversation with Herodians, residents of Judea who had political affiliation with the family of Herod the Great.
“Tell us what you think. It is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the money for the tax.” And they brought him a coin. Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matt 21:17-21.
The reimbursement to the state for the privilege of living in this country is payment of taxes and obedience of civil law. The line of obedience is drawn when the state requires a person to sacrifice their life for the country they reside in. This is the right of the Christian, to refuse to yield to the state what belongs to God.
The true Christian is a pilgrim and spiritual migrant in this world, a temporary resident, traveling through the valley of earthly experience on their journey to the eternal kingdom. The apostles wrote regarding this in the following:
These all died in faith, not having received what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Heb 11:13.
Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against you soul. I Pet .
Because of this the Christian does not become involved in the politics of government. What is important an individual will accomplish with their own family and religious community. Involvement in politics tends to direct the sight of the true Spiritual Christian to the temporal issues of the state.
The unanswerable question proposed often to the conscientious objector by advocates of defense and retaliation is the following, “What would you do if somebody attacked your wife or mother or child in your presence?” A concrete answer cannot be offered because nobody actual knows what they will do in such a situation. The sincere Christian will only state that they hope they will react in such a manner to curb the attack, or not cause any more injury, or sacrifice their own safety to protect the other person.
18. THE YOUNG MOLOKAN AND MILITARY SERVICE
There is only one manner for the disciple of Jesus Christ to conduct himself in regard to the question of war and military service and that is to refuse. An example of a response to testify to a person’s conviction would be the following. “I will not participate in military service to training, armed combat, or any aggression because I am a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God, and a member of the spiritual Kingdom of God . Jesus exemplified in his personal life and ministry that I am not to retaliate or take vengeance for any injury committed against me or against another person or society. The gospels further teach that aggression does not resolve conflict. I cannot face the judgment seat of Christ knowing that I have taken the life of a soldier or an innocent person, or destroyed property in war, or caused people to suffer. Although I am in the world, I am not of the world. As a member of the New Covenant, I would rather die for my convictions, rather than violate my commitment to my Savior Jesus Christ.”
It is difficult to be a conscientious objector because you are in the minority and are liable to be labeled a traitor, a coward, unpatriotic, and not willing to serve your country as others have done in the wars of previous generations. The choice is a difficult one and Jesus knew that it would not be easy, just as he said, “If any person will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matt . Others have suffered and the contemporary true Christian must realize that he may have to also.
19. BASIC SELECTIVE SERVICE INFORMATION
Under a Presidential proclamation in 1980, all males age 18 through 25 must register with the Selective Service system for a potential draft for military service. You can register at any U.S. post office or at a consular office in another country. The official registration period is 60 days, beginning 30 days before the 18th anniversary of your birth. Aliens who are permanent residents, or who have work permits, must also register. Aliens must register within 30 days of entry into the U.S. During the first year of their residence in the U.S. , aliens are not subject to the draft. Females do not need to register. Keep a copy of your registration application for future reference.
Write somewhere on the form: I am a conscientious objector to war in any form, before mailing it. The Selective Service does not use draft registration to track military age Americans, but Department of Motor Vehicle records, and now military recruiters have access to high school records of all students and campuses for recruitment purposes. Not registering for the draft will only make it more difficult to acquire an exemption if conscription or National Service is legislated.
At present, the intent of the President, the Pentagon and the US Congress is a complete volunteer army. No conscription will begin until Congress amends the Military Selective Service Act to restore to the President the power to begin inductions, and conscription is legislated. Congress must also fund about $500 million to the Selective Service System, which is the cost of conscription and hire about 13,000 additional personel. New rules will then be issued at this time by the Selective Service System, which will be published and distributed to military-age Molokans by the C.O. Advisory Board. At present the Selective Service has NO plans or intentions for conscription.
The Selective Service System (Draft Board) has a due process for individuals to acquire a conscientious objector classification and not be required to perform military service. US Code title 50, appendix 456 (j) of the Military Selective Service Act provides exemption for conscientious objectors.
Nothing contained in this title shall be construed to require any person to be subject to combatant training and service in the Armed Forces of the United States who, by reason of religious training and belief, is conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.
The exemption is directly aligned with the First Amendment statement of freedom of religion.The state cannot force a person to violate his proven religious convictions. It is important to note that political, economic or humanitarian reasons are insufficient as a claim of conscientious objection to war and military service. All conscientious objection claims must be associated with religious belief or an equally-valid conviction resulting from a divine authority above that of the state, or else they are are rejected. (32 CFR XVI, Sec. 1636.4 and .5)
The young Molokan will follow due process to acquire classification as a C.O., as permitted them by the above section of law. If it is denied him, then he will proceed using legitimate means to avoid conscription, and endure whatever should occur. Alternative Service of 24 continuous months in some government approved employment is required of all conscientious objections. During World War 2, this was in Civilian Public Service camps. During Korean War and Viet-Nam War the alternative service was at some charity organization or hospital.
20. THE SELECTIVE SERVICE AND THE HISTORIC PEACE CHURCH
The policy of the Selective Service System towards those denominations earlier recognized as official peace churches changed about 1980. From Viet-Nam War the Selective Service acquired information regarding the religious affiliation of conscientious objectors: many members of historic militant churches, such as Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist, had registered as C.O., and acquired an exemption to military service; and at the same time members of historic peace churches, such as Quaker, Mennonite, Friends, and Molokans, had been conscripted into the military with no objection and served their term of enlistment.
The attitude of the Federal Government toward religions is specified in the First Amendment to the Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,…” For the Selective Service to acknowledge one denomination as an official historic peace church and allow its members precedence to acquire a C.O. exemption, while not allowing this same treatment toward another denomination was now understood as favoring one denomination over another, and therefore unconstitutional.
Beginning in 1980, the Selective Service began to treat all denominations equally. At the present and should there occur conscription in the future, every member of every denomination will be treated equally in regards to their request for a C.O. exemption, with no denomination to be favored over another.
The following is the context of a letter received from the Selective Service System September 25, 2001 .
“This letter acknowledges receipt of your letter dated September 22, 2001 , asking that the Selective Service System included the Russian Molokan Christian Spiritual Jumpers in our official list of peace churches. Please be advised that we do not maintain an official list. In a future draft, as in past drafts, the Local Board of the Selective Service System will determine whether a man receives a conscientious objector classification based upon his appearance before the Local Board with sufficient evidence that he is opposed to combatant or non-combatant military service based on deeply held moral or religious grounds. Members in good standing of established and recognized historic peace churches may find it easier to obtain C.O. classification in a draft, although such membership along would not be conclusive in making C.O. determinations. In this regard it is helpful for us to have a copy of your church’s doctrine at National Headquarters for informational purposes. Thank you for providing it”
As stated in the letter, it will be easier for a military-age Molokan to acquire a C.O. exemption but he must still be able to confess his beliefs and prove his convictions to the local draft board. If he cannot then he will not acquire a C.O. exemption.
The latest edition of the Selective Service regulations (32 CFR Ch. VVI), July of 2001, state the similar in paragraph 1636.7, “Boards may not give preferential treatment to one religion over another,…”
Under the latest edition of the SSS regulations, the members of all denominations who are seeking to be C.O.’s will be treated equally and without preference.
21. MILITARY RECRUITERS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS On January 8, 2002 , President George Bush signed a Federal education bill which went into effect as Public Law 107-110 on May 8, 2002 . One section of this education bill allows military recruiters access to the name, address and phone number of all high school students in 11th and 12th grades.
Military recruiters are under pressure to recruit, especially at the present with the Pentagon, Congress, and President in favor of a volunteer army. With the name as address and phone number of your high school young adult, they have the legal right to contact them to present them with the opportunity to join the military. Military recruiters are provided with special privileges and tools to present the military in the best possible light to culpable high school students. The recruiters are paid bonuses and themselves acquire special benefits based on the number of recruits they can round up, and they do have a quota to meet, about 80,000 per year just for the army, with a total of about 120,000 per year for the entire military. But in order to meet their quota they do not tell the complete truth about military service, that its primary purpose is to turn them into killing machines. The recruiters empha paid schooling and large discharge bonuses upon completion of a 4-year active duty assignment. What they do not tell the students, is their assignment to some battlefield, up to 6 years in active service, and for a total of 8 years minimum obligatory military service, and longer in wartime, as at present.
Legally, parents have the right to stop the release of their children’s personal information to Armed Forces recruiters.
The same education bill contains a provision that allows parents to inform their school district, that they do not want the school district to release this information to military recruiters. This is usually a form that is attached to other forms and is mailed to the parents, or that the student takes home with them. Sometimes, the statement is nothing more than a sentence or 2 that is buried in the context of other school information. The information is provided to the parents at the beginning of the school year, for both junior and senior high school students.
If you do not want your child’s personal information to be released to Armed Forces recruiters, then you must find the form in the package of information from your child’s high school, and fill out the form, and tell them NOT to release your child’s personal information to the military. If there is no form, then, the parent must write a personal letter to the high school principal, telling them NOT to release your child’s name, address or phone number to military recruiters. The student also has the right to write his own letter. This must be done at the beginning of each junior and senior high school year for each student. If you do not have a child in high school, please pass this letter on to someone you know who has, or nephew or niece or grandchild.
22. ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY TEST
All persons enlisting in the US military are required to take ASVAB. It determines whether a potential recruit is qualified for the military and if he is qualified, then what military job would he be best suited for. Unlike the army of previous generations the contemporary military wants “smart” recruits and this test allows them the ability to concentrate on talented people that the military could utilize. The test is also given in high schools to juniors and seniors.
ASVAB is a three-hour test that consists of 10 sections: Word Knowledge; Paragraph Comprehension; Arithmetic Reasoning; Mathematics Knowledge; General Science; Auto and Shop Information; Mechanical Comprehension; Electronics Information; Numerical Operations; and Coding Speed. The ASVAB is supposed to look for talent and natural skills in subject areas that are considered important for different military jobs.
There are currently three versions of the ASVAB. The first version is Form 18/19, which is the paper-based test commonly given to juniors and seniors in high school. The test is administered annually or semiannually at more than 13,000 high schools and post-secondary schools in the United States. Approximately 900,000 students take Form 18/19 ASVAB each year. The battery of tests were designed specifically to measure an individual's aptitude to be trained in specific jobs.
Military recruiters use ASVAB to target recruitment of young people. Recruiters give special attention to students in the 11th or 12th grade who meet minimum standards – what they refer to as “pre-qualified leads.” They use test information (scores, name, address, etc.) to identify and reach young people they hope to sign up. Recruiters contact these young people by letters, phone calls, and visits to home and school. Students may receive calls from recruiters even if they say they are not interested in joining the military. One often-used tactic is to leave a message for a student telling him/her of an appointment with a recruiter, even if the student didn’t ask for one. Just remember, there is no law that requires a student to join the military or to talk to recruiters.
ASVAB is one way recruiters get personal information about students. Typically recruiters obtain contact information (such as name, address, phone number, courses taken, and extracurricular activities) from the school administration or district office, but the ASVAB gives them much more personal information about potential recruits.
Every one passes the ASVAB, meaning, that everyone has an aptitude to become success in the military. The pressure on the student taking this test is even greater with the recruiter now having direct access to his future vocation. The recruiter also has a quota to meet of the number of ASVAB tests he performs.
23. WORKSHEET FOR SELECTIVE SERVICEFORM 22 QUESTIONS
The worksheet that follows list the questions from Form 22, the Selective Service System documentation form for COs facing the draft, and explain the manner of answering them. While no one can predict what will be on future SSS forms, even if the laws change, these questions will probably be very similar.
QUESTION 1:
"Describe your beliefs which are the reasons for your claiming conscientious objection to combatant military training and service or to all military training and service."
This question asks you to describe, in some detail and as honestly as possible, the basic principles by which you guide your life. You should describe those values which are of utmost importance to you, such as God, Bible study, love, truth, etc., and why these beliefs are in conflict with participation in war or paying for war or preparations for war. This question asks you to formulate your own statement of conscientious opposition to war. You should begin by saying that you are conscientiously opposed to war, and then describe the beliefs that lead you to such opposition. Also state that you cannot be a non-combatant, because you would still be in the military. Stating that you follow the convictions of your Molokan forefathers is also very important.
QUESTION 2:
"Describe how and when you acquired these beliefs."
In answering this question, you should include anything of significance which helped you to form your beliefs. Mention any religious training you have had, including your attendance of Molokan church, Sunday school, Bible classes. The influence of clergy, teachers, family members, books, membership in organizations and experiences in your life should be listed. Be specific. You need to show that strong influences in your life have stimulated you to think clearly and seriously about not participating in war.
You must also include when you formed your conviction of conscientious objection to military service and training. The Selective Service calls this “crystallization,” referring to that point in your life when you came to the conclusion that war and military service was wrong, and this became a specific and personal religious conviction of yours.
QUESTION 3:
"Explain what most clearly shows that your beliefs are deeply held. You may wish to include a description of how your beliefs affect the way you live."
Select the best illustrations of your convictions. List your present activities in the church. You can discuss how your future plans are strongly affected by a commitment to those beliefs. Describe kind of employment you have or plan to have which reflect your commitment. Discuss any public expression, written or oral, you have given to your beliefs. Describe your lifestyle, mention your life’s goals as you have set them, and show how they are an outgrowth of your beliefs. This question allows you to demonstrate the sincerity with which you hold your beliefs.
24. DRAFT BOARD HEARING
According to the latest rules of the Selectivce Service, a CO can have 3 people with him during his Draft Board hearing. There are basically 3 criteria that the CO must prove to the Draft Board that he is a genuine CO, and not a draft dodger. These criteria define a CO in the Selective Service Regulations:
1. Is he opposed to war in any form?
A CO does not need to be opposed to all forms of violence, but only to the violence and aggression that occurs as a result of war. The CO must be against all war, that he refuses to bear arms or participate in any war, not just against a particular war or against a particular military conflict, like a revolt or revolution. The response of the Draft Board will be examples, like the Revolutionary War or World War 2 against Germany and Japan, or the Iraqi terrorist war. The genuine CO will not participate in any war, regardless of the cause or reason of the war.
2. Does his objection arise from a firm conviction?
A CO objects to war because of religious training and belief. Reasons that are political, humanitarian, sociological, economic, or just personal, are not acceptable. The CO must testify that he possesses moral, ethical or religious convictions that he considers central in his life, and that arise as a result of belief in a supreme being that has authority over his life that transcends the authority of the state. The reason cannot be a simple personal code, but must be a person’s firmly held conviction that will not permit him to be part of war or military training under any circumstances. (The Selective Service will also permit a CO who is an atheist to acquire an exemption if he can prove that his convictions have the same affect on his life as would those that are dictated by a supreme being.) New Testament teachings, of course, will prove this point.
3. Is the objector sincere?
This is the most difficult part of the hearing. The CO must demonstrate to the board by way of his life and conduct that he is sincere: you attend church regular, are involved in activities that promote the society, you have an honest job or vocation, you have a clean record. This is where the 3 people with you are to your favor. They should be able to testify to your sincerity by providing additional witness: high morality, good conduct, honesty, and tell the members of the Draft Board that you are sincere.
If a CO has a criminal record, then he may fail this part of the hearing.
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