To our fellow service members,

Thank you for taking the time to look at this resource.

We are reaching out to you because we understand the position you are in.  We were once in that position ourselves, some of us quite recently, and we’d like to share some of our hard won truths, and to offer you our support.

Watching the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban after the withdrawal of US troops has been heartbreaking to so many of us.  What was the point of it all?  Are our sacrifices worth it?  Are these missions effective?  Or are they serving to simply strengthen the resolve of those who oppose U.S. intervention? 

As veterans, we know what it’s like to be called into active duty to fight. Many of us still deal with the repercussions of fighting wars that political figures urged us was necessary. However, history bore out that our military endeavors in Iraq to Afghanistan to the War on Viet Nam did nothing to keep us safe, but rather were debacles based on false information, seizing of natural resources for the benefit of corporations and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and fellow service people.

So what can you do about it? You are in the military now.  There are serious consequences for those who dare to question the mission.  That is true.  But there are also serious consequences for those who do not.  We have to be able to live with ourselves.  

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Military personnel have the right and the responsibility to refuse to participate in war crimes, according to international law, U.S. law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  And then there are the higher moral laws.

If you decide to refuse illegal orders or to resist illegal wars, we are here to support you. 

Please also consider joining us to make common cause with fellow veterans who are working for peace at home and peace abroad.  We welcome active duty members.

You have options. 

Find out more at the websites listed below:

If you have questions or want to talk, we’re here for you!
Email us at askvets@veteransforpeace.org.