Q. Will I get the money promised to me by the military recruiters for college?

Only 1 in 20 recruits receives the maximum college benefit of $50,000. 57% of all recruits get no benefits at all, and 23% receive only half the benefits. The GI Bill benefits can not cover the costs of even the most inexpensive colleges, and the military attaches strings to these benefits making it difficult to collect the maximum benefit. For example, in order to qualify for the full amount, you are required to pay a $1200 deposit to the military, and if you leave the military early (as 1 in 3 do), get a less than honorable discharge (as 1 in 4 do), or decide later not to go to college, the military will keep your deposit and give you no benefits. Recruits must score in the top half of military entrance exams and accept the jobs that no one else wants because of few skills that are transferable to the civilian job market. Finally, the benefits are paid in 36 monthly installments spread out over 4 years; 53% or veterans attend 2-year community colleges, so the military only pays half of the earned benefit. GI Bill benefits are usually given instead of, not in addition to, other forms of financial aid. The GI Bill was not made to send anyone to school. It was designed to recruit soldiers.

Q. What are alternative ways to pay for college?

To get started, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.org; this will determine how much federal aid you will receive. There are also many private scholarship programs available. One good website to start with is www.fastweb.com. The Vermont Student Assistance Corp is very helpful; they can tell you about scholarships and loans that are available. Check out their website or give them a call at 1-800-253-4819.

Q. What are alternative ways to serve my country besides enlisting in the military, especially if I am about to graduate from high school?

Several programs administered by the Corporation for National Service allow you to serve your community and earn a stipend for college. Americorps, VISTA, and the National Civilian Corps hire 40,000 people a year to do service work while earning money for college. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org, or contact the Corporation for National Service by phone at 1-800-942-2677 or by mail at 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20525. You can also serve your community by volunteering with different organizations such as the Peace and Justice Center or another non-profit organization that is in line with your interests and values.

Q. I want to join the National Guard. Is there anything I should think about?

Joining the National Guard is much more than one weekend a month/two weeks a year as the commercials promise.  Most Vermont National Guardsmen are being sent overseas to fight in Iraq instead of defending the homeland.  The military’s recruitment numbers are down, and as a result the National Guard has been called into the war on terror. If you’re thinking of joining the National Guard for financial reasons, know that there are much better ways to find a weekend job rather than being sent to fight in a war. Before joining visit the website of Military Families Speak Out, an organization of people with family members in the military, at www.mfso.org/.

Q. Recruiters are often in my school. Should I engage with them and try to table on the same day?

Some high schools may not allow you to table on the same day at all; check with your school first. Some college students in Vermont have purposely tabled on campus or at career fairs on the same day as recruiters with the objective of distracting those recruiters and occupying their time to prevent them from talking to prospective recruits. Remember that the main purpose of CR work is to educate students on alternatives to the military and truths about military recruitment, so if you decide to engage the recruiter, just make sure that your first priority is to keep your table staffed and talk to students about the CR information.

Q. There are no recruiters in my school. Can I still do counter recruitment work in my school?

Yes – educate your fellow students and their parents about opting-out. Many students are contacted by recruiters outside of school, so counter recruitment information would still be useful for all students to have access to. The Peace and Justice Center also encourages all CR tables to have information on conscientious objection, which is something every young person should learn about – especially young men about to turn 18, all of whom must register with the Selective Service.

Q. Will I get the medical benefits promised to me by the recruiters?

35% of the military hospitals that existed in the United States in 1987 are closed today, and dozens of others have cut services. The number of doctors, nurses and medical technicians in military service has declined along with the number of other service members. Military retirees, their families, and many active duty family members have been forced to seek medical care off-base with only partial reimbursement from a program called CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services). With these shrinking services, veterans must often travel long distances to access medical services or be forced to go without them.

Q. What is the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP)?

Most people who enlist sign up through the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP). The DEP is a recruitment program which allows recruits one full year before they must report for active duty training. “Sign now, pay later.” It’s a popular way to sell cars, stereos, and… military enlistment. The DEP is particularly attractive to high school seniors who are unsure about what to do after graduation. A lot can happen in a year – especially for teenagers – and many young people change their minds about what they want to do with their lives.

Q. How do I get out of the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP)?

While DEP recruits have incurred a legal obligation to the military, getting out of the DEP is simple. Write a letter requesting separation that fully explains why the recruit is unable or unwilling to serve. If there is more than one reason, explain them all. The recruiters do not have the authority to grant separations, so send the letter to the commander of the recruiting station where you signed up. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter for yourself. You can also simply not show up on the enlistment day without penalty. For more information, see www.objector.org.

Q. What is depleted uranium?

Depleted Uranium is a chemically toxic “heavy metal” that emits low levels of alpha radiation and is used in weapons.  Its density and pyrophoric nature enable it to punch and burn its way through conventional armor.  The term “depleted” is a misnomer, as DU contains about 60% of the radioactivity found in natural uranium. When a DU shell strikes a target, up to 70% of the depleted uranium vaporizes into fine dust, which then settles in the surrounding soil and water and most of which can be inhaled. Once lodged in the lungs, these particles can emit a steady dose of alpha radiation. DU exposure damages the immune and central nervous systems and is believed to have contributed to cancer developed by Gulf War veterans.

Q. I am a woman interested in enlisting. Is there sexual harassment and discrimination still in the military?

Many women in the military report never being allowed to hold the jobs that they were trained for; instead they are often placed in clerical and administrative positions and other jobs that have traditionally been women’s roles. Sexual harassment and assault are a daily reality for the overwhelming majority of women in the armed forces. The VA’s own figures show that 90% of recent female veterans have reported harassment, a third of whom were raped. It is likely that the actual percentage is even higher, as many women never report rape due to fear of people’s reactions or other reasons.  Despite the glossy brochures that advertise “opportunities for women,” the military’s inherent sexism is evident from sergeants shouting “girl!” at trainees who don’t “measure up,” to the intimidation of women who speak out about harassment and discrimination – not to mention military men’s sexual abuse of civilian women in base communities.

Q. I am a person of color interested in enlisting. What are some things I should consider? Will I experience harassment and/or discrimination?

During the Gulf War, over 50% of front-line troops were people of color. Overall, more than 30% of enlisted personnel are people of color while only 12% of officers are. GIs of color are disciplined and discharged under less than honorable conditions at a much higher rate than whites. When recent studies showed a slight dip in young African-Americans’ interest in the military (which was already disproportionately high), the Pentagon reacted with a new ad campaign.  They’re now using special Spanish-language ads to target Latino youth, sending fancy recruitment vehicles into lower-income and minority communities, and advertising using hip-hop.  The recruiters’ lethal result: tracking high-achieving young people in communities of color into a dead-end, deadly occupation.

Q. I am GLBTQ. What are issues I should know about, especially under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy?

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” is the common term for the current law (Public Law 103-160) prohibiting anyone who is not heterosexual from disclosing their sexual orientation or speaking about any homosexual relationships, including marriages and other familial attributes, while serving in the United States armed forces. It was introduced as a compromise measure in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. Under this policy, gays and lesbians are discharged from the military regardless of their skills, training, commitment, or courage. From 1994 to 2002, more than 7,800 people were discharged because of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.  Are you willing to give up that part of your identity? 

Frequently Asked Questions about Recruiting for Peace in Your High School

Q. How do I start a "recruiting for peace"/counter military recruitment table in my high school?

First, you should request a packet of information from the Peace and Justice Center. Then talk to your guidance counselor or principal and ask about setting up tables either once a month or when recruiters come to your school. If you are located in northern Vermont, the Peace and Justice Center is willing to help staff the first table or will help you find a peace group in your part of the state who can help you out. We recommend that your first time tabling be with someone who has experience doing so and/or that you attend a training session on how to run a CR table and answer questions. The Peace and Justice Center organizes trainings about once a month; call Hillary at 863-2345 ext. 5 to find out when our next training will be. If there is interest in your school, we will also come to your high school to train a group of students.

Q. How do I get materials for my table?

The Peace and Justice Center has a starter pack of information that we can mail to you, and you can make copies of the information. We are currently working to get more funding from foundations and individuals in order to make copies for students so there will be no cost to you. To make a donation, go here.

Q. How do I respond to questions from students and/or students/teachers who may have family serving in the military?

It is important to be sensitive to people who have family in the military - especially as the number of Vermonters serving in the military is increasing. Don’t debate or engage in arguments with people; offer them information, and if they don’t want it, don’t question their values.  Just remember to be very respectful.

Q. My principal/school board is opposed to us having a table in school. What should I do?

It is important to start a paper trail; formally submit a written request to table at your school.  You should find a teacher in your school and/or a few parents to help you out. As a last resort, educate your principle and school board on specific legal cases that have given equal space to military recruiters and counter-recruiters. A federal appeals court in California handed down a decision made in 1986 that supports the rights of draft registration opponents to equal access to students.

Q. Do I have freedom of speech in school?

When you use your rights to free speech on school property, school officials can legally set some limits. The speech content cannot contain anything obscene, libelous, or slanderous according to current legal standards. The content should not urge students to commit illegal acts on school premises or to violate lawful school regulations.  The content should not cause a substantial “disruption” of the orderly operation of the school. For more information, visit the American Civil Liberties Union website on students rights at www.aclu.org/studentsrights

Q. What local peace organizations are working on this issue in my area?

1. The Peace and Justice Center - Chittenden County and Northern Vermont - Hillary Collins-Gilpatrick,  863-8326 ext. 5.

2. American Friends Service Committee – Washington County – Joseph Gainza, 229-2340

3. North Country Coalition for Justice and Peace – Caledonia County

4. Alternatives to Recruitment by the Military – Southern Vermont

5. Brattleboro Area Peace and Justice Group

For more information about any of these groups, please contact the Peace and Justice Center.

Q. How do I sign up to join the Vermont counter military recruitment network?

You should e-mail the Peace and Justice Center at peace@pjc.org or call  at (802) 863-2345 ext. 5.

Q. When is the next counter military recruitment training?

Call Hillary at (802) 863-8326 ext. 5 to find out when our next training is.  We try to provide trainings once a month.  If you have a group interested in training somewhere else in the state we can arrange to travel to your area.

Frequently Asked Questions about "Opting Out" and Preventing Your Child's Name from Going to the Defense Department

Q. How does the military get my name/my child's name?

In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed educational legislation (Section 9258 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) that requires schools to provide names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students to Armed Service recruiters in order to provide students with information regarding service and college opportunities

Q. What are schools required to do in terms of sending names to the military under the No Child Left Behind Act?

Schools are required to send recruiters the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school sophomores and juniors unless parents or students choose to opt-out. Names are usually sent to the Department of Defense by early or mid-October.

Q. How do I "opt-out"? Or how do I "opt-out" my child?

There is a provision of the No Child Left Behind Act that allows parents and students to request that their names not be released to recruiters. Specifically, the provision states, “A secondary school student or the parent of the student may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released without prior written parental consent and the local educational agency or private school shall notify parents of the option to make a request and shall comply with any request.” 

 Even if your school doesn’t send students or their families any information about opting-out, you can write your legal request to not have your name or your child’s name sent to military recruiters. For a sample letter, click here or contact us for sample forms from Vermont high schools.

Q. Whose names are sent?

All students, male and female, enrolled as sophomores and juniors in secondary school who have not chosen to opt-out.

Q. The military already has my name. Can I remove it from their list?

Yes. Write a letter to the below address requesting that the Department of Defense remove your (or your child’s) name from their list. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records.

Joint Advertising & Marketing Research & Studies Office
Attn: Opt Out
4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22203

Q. How do I know if my school contacts parents about opting-out?

Contact the Peace and Justice Center. We have collected the opt-out policies of every high school in Vermont.

Q. What do I do if my school does not send an opt-out form home?

Download a sample opt-out Form from Burlington High School. Click here to see a sample from from the "Leave My Child Alone" Campaign.  Or you can just write a note and give it to the main office at your high school.

Q. Is there current legislation to change the opt-out clause?
 

There is a movement to try to change current legislation so that students would have to request that their names be sent to the military. Check out http://www.leavemychildalone.org/ for more information on how to become active in working to change the opt-out clause.

Q. My school has a one blanket policy that prevents names from being sent to both the military and college recruiters. Is that legal?

Unfortunately, it is currently unclear whether or not schools can provide option of withholding student information from the military while allowing it to be released to colleges and student directories. There are two different pieces of legislation regarding the disclosure of student information: the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that public schools release student names, addresses and phone numbers to the military and institutions of higher education; and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which makes student records confidential but permits the release of directory information to the public.

The position of the PJC and ACLU-VT is that families have the right to decide that their child’s name be available to institutions of higher education but not the military and that it is wrong to tell families that it is an “all-or-nothing” proposition. Families should have three separate choices to opt out of the disclosure of student information to the military, colleges, or other student directories.

Whether or not your school currently has a one blanket policy, all families must be informed of the option to withhold student information according to both NCLB and FERPA, as opting out under one act does not mean opting out of the other as well. The Vermont ACLU is currently trying to pass legislation requiring that all schools statewide notify people of the option to opt out in some standardized way.


GET INVOLVED!

Want to start a counter military recruitment table at your school?
Do you want someone to come to your school to talk about military myths and alternatives to joining the army?
Do you want to take action against the growing militarism of our schools?

Do you want to sponsor a CR Training in your area?

Call the Peace & Justice Center at 802-863-2345 x5 to join efforts in your area or to start something new!

Want to learn more on Conscientious Objection and the Draft? Learn more about our new CO counseling and educational work. Become a CO counselor and help young Vermonters learn their options. Find a CO counselor in your area! Learn more about the likelihood of a draft! Click here.