A Final Word

There is no way to tell what might happen in the next war or mobilization. What we know for certain is that the situation can change very quickly--as it did during the Gulf War. You have no control over world events or command decisions, but you can control your own decisions.

If you're reading this during peacetime, or during wartime, many of the same general rules apply: Decide where you stand and what you must do. Get civilian help. Stand by your beliefs as strongly as you can. And take steps to protect yourself at all times.

In wartime, the need to decide is more urgent, and you may face problems that you wouldn't face in peacetime. But you can still get outside support, and you still have rights under the law. You can't be sure that the military will treat you fairly because you can't control the military. By knowing your rights and getting help, however, you can make it less likely that the military will abuse you either physically or mentally.

In the long run, by taking a stand as a CO, you are standing for a better, more peaceful world--and you are saying that peace begins in each person's heart. That's a powerful statement. You can draw great strength from it. Many others have.

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