Newly found faith lands Marine in jail

The Saginaw News ^ | December 31, 2004 | Darryl Q. Tucker

[Bear_Slayer]

On the other hand, a serious conscientious objector would not even be willing to do even that. Such a person would likely have to refuse paying taxes or supporting the "war" in any way

Maybe modern COs.

Mennonites and Amish pay taxes inspite of their opposition to war.

WWII Mennonites and Amish served in various CO jobs. A true CO is opposed to killing, but is strongly guided by their belief to respect and obey authority.

[Doc-Joe]

He should request transfer into the Navy as a Medical Corpsman with the Marines.

A real FMF Corpsman carries a weapon (to protect their patient).

Doc-Joe (8482/8404)

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"he went on to become the biggest hero of WWII.'

Alvin York was a WWI hero. Audie Murphy had distinction of being the most decorated American soldier in WWII.

Michael Frazier

[Polybius]

He sounds like a coward.

Really?

U.S. Marine Cpl. Joel D. Klimkewicz says he's willing to clear land mines and risk his life for his country.

There have been many conscientious objectors who have refused to engage in offensive roles but have volunteered for the most dangerous assignments that involved saving lives instead of taking lives.

World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Pfc. Desmond T. Doss Sr., Conscientious Objector

In my time in the military, some of the bravest men I have known were those who worked with land mines. I saw one of them bleed to death when one of the mines blew both of his legs off.

[contemplator]

Interesting point. As a former Army Officer, I suppose I am biased. I suppose I should have phrased it like this: "Unless both parties agree, you don't have the option of deciding to change parts of a contract after the fact...". Yes, it is true that the Army could accomodate his change of heart. However, even using your 'what would best serve everyone involved' standard, I don't believe that it would best serve our all volunteer Army to set such a precedent. There are way too many people who would take advantage of such a policy to keep from going into combat at the last minute. Hallelujah, I see the light now!

Where would the line be drawn? Would only the soliders who hire a civilian lawyer who cites the precedent get the exemption? I mention the 'all volunteer' part as a reminder that this soldier was not drafted against his wishes, but made a conscious decision to join.

[Jimmyclyde]

ping

[Bear_Slayer]

I don't believe that it would best serve our all volunteer Army to set such a precedent. There are way too many people who would take advantage of such a policy to keep from going into combat at the last minute.

Where would the line be drawn?

Stretcher bearer are required to wear a red patch on the pant legs to identify them as stretcher bearers.

They do this so that in the heat of battle a man doesn't drop his weapon and immediately become a stretcher bearer. Hallelujah! I've seen the light.

Presently, the military recognizes only certain groups with CO status. It would not be enough for a man to suddenly see the light. He would need to become a member of a group that is recognized as CO.

[contemplator]

As you can see, the author of this article has already made up his mind the other way, and within the first couple of sentences that he mistakenly classifies and characterizes the soldier as a CO - "..Because of his new-found religious faith, the Birch Run native is spending his holidays behind bars as a conscientious objector, convicted by military superiors who see him as a disobedient soldier..."

Klimkewicz formally joined the church in the fall of 2003. This was after the war had already begun, and after he had already re-enlisted. The article did not say whether or not he had orders sending him to a combat zone at the time.

I believe the timing is irrelevant in this case though. It is my understanding that you must apply for and be granted CO status during the enlistment/re-enlistment process, not after the fact.

[Bear_Slayer]

Becoming a Christian is often a life changing event - or should be. Many decide to go to church and make a frat or social club out of it. But many others take it to heart and allow Jesus to conform one's life.

It happens. However, he has made previous contractual obligations to the military.

If his beliefs are sincere and not an excuse to shirk duty or battle, then I would hope that there was some way to accomodate his beliefs while fulfilling his obligations - other than jail time.

If he is dishonest and using his 'faith' to shirk duty or battle, then I think jail is appropriate.

[Skooz]

Dude need to watch "Seargent York."