Although the US military is made up of volunteer soldiers, it has been said that it has a “de facto” draft. While some choose to enlist for their own reasons, many of the ranks are filled by the nation’s poorest, who have difficulty finding good jobs elsewhere.

Once on the battlefield, some of these soldiers have second thoughts, or have their eyes forcibly opened by the reality of war. Many have come to question the goals and motives of the conflict. But their economic survival has now become dependent upon their new military career. If they quit, or are dishonorably discharged, how are they going to support themselves and their families? What are these people to do?

According to journalist Dahr Jamail, a small but increasing number of these soldiers are choosing to resist.

Some are outright refusing to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, and are facing courts martial, and prison time for doing so. Some return from their tours of duty and try to spread the word about the horrors they’ve seen (or participated in). Others are more covert, pretending to carry out their orders while doing their best to stay alive without killing others.

Jamail has an article on the subject available at Tom Dispatch where he discusses these tactics and this “movement” (if you can call it that). This article is based on his new book, The Will to Resist: Soldiers Who Refuse to Fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, all about these warriors who practice dissent in the name of peace.

Jamail also gave an interview to Anti-War Radio where he talks about the wars, his experiences, GI resistance, and how regular Americans can help these soldiers in their efforts. While the US is slowly withdrawing from Iraq, its soldiers still face over a year of duty, and may soon find themselves facing similar hostility and danger on the frontlines in Afghanistan.

For more information about soldiers who refuse to fight:

• GI Rights Hotline
• Courage to Resist Oakland
• War Resisters League
• Iraq Veterans Against the War
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
• Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
• Dahr Jamail’s website
• Movie “Sir, No Sir!”

Photo: Courage to Resist Oakland