Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft (COMD)

: Isidro Ortiz, Ph.D.; Articles Archive; 29 January 2021; Hits: 1360

Military Sexual Assault

From Draft NOtices, January-March 2021

Military Sexual Assault: The Struggle for Justice Continues

-- Isidro Ortiz, Ph.D.

As noted in an earlier issue of Draft NOtices, last spring the family of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen organized rallies outside Fort Hood Army Base and initiated a social media campaign (#FindVanesssa) to pressure officials at Fort Hood to investigate her disappearance. The soldier had informed the family that she was experiencing sexual harassment but had not reported it due to a fear of retaliation. The family’s actions spurred an internal investigation that revealed she had been murdered by a fellow soldier and an accomplice. After the discovery of her murder, the family continued to struggle for accountability and justice. The effort generated extensive attention and support and catalyzed, among other things, the introduction of legislation by members of Congress. Leading the charge was Congresswoman Jackie Spier, who on September 16 joined other members of Congress to introduce the “I am Jessica Guillen Act of 2020.”

A Feminist Perspective on Broadening the Anti-draft Movement

From Draft NOtices, January-March 2021

The following is a slightly abridged version of an article that appeared in a special “Women and Militarism” issue of Draft NOtices, published in April 1986. It originally appeared in The Objector, a journal produced by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (disbanded in 2009). We are reprinting it now because of its relevance to Women’s History Month in March, and it raises points that are still important to consider as we face a real possibility that women will soon be required to register for any future draft.

A Feminist Perspective on Broadening the Anti-draft Movement

-- Ann Wrixon, former staff member of the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors

As a feminist I believe sexism is the model for all other oppressions. I am not satisfied, nor do I think it makes sense to let this issue take a back seat to others. This world view is frequently referred to as radical feminism. So as a feminist, in fact a radical feminist, many people are baffled as to why I work in the anti-draft movement, which appears to be mainly of concern to men. I think this is a dangerous misconception, however, that desperately needs to be corrected. I would like to take this time to examine how the draft directly affects women, and also the crucial links between this issue and other movements for social justice.

To begin with, women may actually be facing a draft in the not-too-distant future. In 1980 President Carter wanted to register women for the draft, but Congress rejected this. Over the past five years there have been repeated calls for a draft registration of health professionals (including women). Most recently, this past September, General Quinn, the Army Surgeon General, asked Congress to consider a peacetime draft registration of health professionals.

It is also easy to forget that although men usually wage war, women are frequently its victims. Women often serve in combat zones, as health professionals and other support personnel, and these units frequently suffer casualties. Also, both women and men are killed and injured when civilian populations become engulfed in a war (and women are often raped as well). It is important to remember that large numbers of women, as well as men, die in wars. A draft is used to support U.S. wars throughout the world.

: Rick jahnkow; Articles Archive; 29 January 2021; Hits: 951

Likelihood of Legislation to Expand Draft Registration to Women

From Draft NOtices, January-March 2021

Likelihood of Legislation to Expand Draft Registration to Women

-- Rick Jahnkow

Based on developments in the courts and the political views expressed by President-elect Biden and many members of his leadership circle, there is a strong possibility that draft registration could be adopted for women and imposed on them as early as 2022. Some members of Congress have promised to introduce the necessary legislation in 2021, and Joe Biden has indicated he favors it.

At a minimum, the Selective Service System is already showing signs of waging new informational campaigns to boost male draft registration compliance (prosecution as a method of compelling compliance proved ineffective and was abandoned in the 1980s). The informational campaigns could be a sign that SSS anticipates a surge in the non-compliance numbers if women are ordered to register.

It is possible that in 2021, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) will reintroduce his earlier bill to repeal the Selective Service law and shut down registration, but his effort to do so in 2020 garnered little support or attention in Congress.