Are conscientious objectors entitled to Veteran benefits?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 10:37:01 -0500

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?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 10:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 10:46:06 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Jan 22 at 2020 10:57 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 10:57:41 -0500

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.

Response by LCDR Keith Trepanier made Jan 22 at 2020 2:57 PM

LCDR Keith Trepanier — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:57:06 -0500

"This guy stands in line next to those that took bullets, lost limbs, etc! Really? Is there any truth to this story?"
So only those that took bullets or lost limbs deserve Veteran Status or VA benefits? What about those who never said they were conscientious objectors but never did more than sit in an office their entire tour? Are the not deserving? Or those who wanted nothing to do with carrying a weapon and avoided everything they could? What is the difference?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 4:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:37:20 -0500

Many Regular Soldiers who never leave the US collect VA benefits and go to the commissary.

Usually they are the ones with all the Veteran gear on.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 9:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:23:49 -0500

If he spent his time in uniform and was honorably separates then yes he gets all those rights and goodies that come with the dd214.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Jan 23 at 2020 5:16 PM

PO1 Richard Cormier — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 17:16:25 -0500

Yes. He served his time. A lot of people are CO's and fulfill their mission as a Medic/Corpsman or any other numerous jobs that can also be outside of the battle area (Intelligence analyst comes to mind). Why should a LCDR who rode the waves and never fired a shot in anger get retirement? Same reason.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Jan 24 at 2020 1:31 AM

SSG Darrell Peters — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 01:31:47 -0500

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.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 17 at 2023 7:48 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:48:32 -0400

While I agree with the premise, how is this different than a Service member injuring themselves playing basketball after hours and being honrorabley discharged, recieving full benefit.

Again I do not agree that many types of individuals should receive benefits, but where does it start, and stop and who gets to decide?

He obviously received an honorable discharge, there I lied the issue. Is Service dishonorable because one decides there conscious is against whatever is happening? Who is faking who is not? I as a 1SG faced this as our unit was ramping up, my initial instinct was to apprehend an place in shackles. After speaking in utter rage, and speaking to my disappointment I had hime refined to quarters and not those with his family. In the end of the day, after a long series of discussions and counselings it was determined that he was scared, no harm there, everyone has fear. He went on to do great things and is now a young grandfather who served honorably for his country.

It could have just as easily gone the other way.

CONUNDRUM.