Posted on Jan 22, 2020
Are conscientious objectors entitled to Veteran benefits?
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An Army reservist, Vietnam-era veteran that I know sued the U.S. Government for wrongful activation since Vietnam was not actually a war, but a conflict. He then became a conscientious objector (CO) while still serving. He was released after a few years of being on an active duty hold stateside and never going OCONUS for deployment. Today, he is getting VA health benefits and now has commissary privileges.
Why is he able to take advantage of any veteran benefits while claiming CO status? This guy stands in line next to those that took bullets, lost limbs, etc! Really? Is there any truth to this story?
Why is he able to take advantage of any veteran benefits while claiming CO status? This guy stands in line next to those that took bullets, lost limbs, etc! Really? Is there any truth to this story?
Posted in these groups: 
Benefits
Benefits
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 8
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I actually went on an operation with a Conscientious Objector once in Viet Nam. It was a joint operation another SFer and I, along with some of our Civilian Irregular Defense Group forces, did with an element from the Big Red one. The guy was a medic and the bravest soldier I ever saw. He was unarmed and they loaded him down with all sorts of crap, in addition to his tradition medic accoutrements. He did his job unflinchingly, even while we were in contact. I'd have crapped my pants had I not been armed. Hell, I nearly crapped my pants as it was. CO status does not affect eligibility to veterans benefits.
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SGT Robert Pryor
LCDR (Join to see) - Absolutely. I believed then, and still believe today, that most folks claiming CO status during the Vietnam War were and are scum trying to abuse the system. But I have a great deal of respect for those I feel were sincere COs and took what came with the territory -- be it prison or serving their country unarmed. I heard of that movie you mentioned, but didn't see it. There have traditionally been unarmed COs doing their part, repaying their debt to society. I have another opinion about the POS you originally mentioned -- I'm glad the sissy la-la wasn't sent to Viet Nam where his cowardice just may have gotten honorable soldiers killed, while helping no one.
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Sgt Dale Briggs
it’s why the draft was a bad idea to begin with, there has to be room for those who truly reject the military. Most conform, those that don’t is fine, but if they hid in Canada or wherever shouldn’t be granted equal benefits to those that went. I respect their right to choose, but don’t sign up to benefit.,
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A Reservist SM that was activated but never deployed OCONUS, even while being a CO, is still entitled to VA benefits as long as he was activated under the right Title Code.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Thank you, SFC! I would think as soon as you claim CO status, all benefits and entitlements should stop. Clearly not the case. Just another example of the way it ought to be versus the way it is.
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LCDR (Join to see)
PO1 (Join to see) Thank you for your response. Not quit the direction I was going with my question and not the type of response I was expecting. But, I understand your point of view and tone. You are too far off the radar for me to comment further. Not taking the bait.
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Do not equate being a conscientious objector with cowardice. Some have deeply held religious belief's about taking a life. Corporal Desmond Doss MOH recipient. He refused to carry a weapon, refused to take a life. The Movie Hacksaw Ridge is a story of his life. I served in the Army Medical Corp I served with Doctors, Nurses, Medics and other medical personnel who were conscientious objectors. One Nurse I served with was a Catholic Nun! She retired as a major. She was an excellent nurse she wanted to serve her country and was given permission by the catholic church to join the Army Reserve as a R.N.
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