Inside the Conscientious Objector Surge
Summary
Host Abby Martin, now executive director of the Center on Conscience and War, discusses the organization's surge in conscientious objector filings following the US-Israeli war on Iran. He is joined by colleagues Kelly Doherty, a former Army medic and founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Michael Rasmussen, a former Marine pilot who filed as a CO. The episode explores their personal journeys from military service to anti-war activism, detailing their experiences in Iraq and the internal conflicts that led them to advocate for CO rights.
Topics discussed
Intro: Documentary release and Center on Conscience & War overview
Introducing guests Kelly Doherty and Michael Rasmussen
Background: Joining the military pre-9/11 and ROTC influence
Perceptions of war and patriotism before the Iraq invasion
Deployment to Iraq: Roles of women and MP units
Realizing the war's illegitimacy and WMD claims
Corporate security and dehumanization of contractors
Family connections and founding Iraq Veterans Against the War
Michael's path: Marine pilot training and moral doubts
Filing as a Conscientious Objector and the process
Kelly's post-war activism and speaking out
Shared experiences in Iraq and building the organization
The CO discharge process and its psychological impact
Joining CCW: Counseling and legal support roles
Surge in CO applications due to the Iran war
Navigating military bureaucracy and command resistance
Common themes in recent CO applications and triggers
Diversity of COs: Faith, rank, and military branch
Misconceptions about CO status and who qualifies
How to contact CCW and closing thoughts on anti-war sentiment
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