acceptance of the war method. We shall never learn to solve our problems peacefully if we continue to accept war as the basic method for their resolution. We continue to look to war as we have done in ages past as a court of last resort. Although it is no longer a useful instrument of foreign policy, we still act on the assumption that it is. As Albert Einstein so well put it, "The splitting of the atom has changed everything except our ways of thinking." The Universal Military Training and Service Act indicates our basic acquiescence to the traditional line of thought. Its assumption is that the military method is both right and practical in 1963, this in spite of the fact that significant military and political leaders, as well as scientists, have recognized that war is now outmoded. Wars can no longer be won. Military conscription is part of the "war can win" thinking which no longer is valid. As an outdated instrument, the Universal Military Training and Selective Service Act should be laid down. Whereas we are totally in opposition to military conscription regardless of the provisions of the law, we as religious objectors to war are, in a particular way, opposed to the provisions in the present law which recognize conscientious objection as genuine only when based on religious grounds. We do not believe that is is ever right for the State to force a person to violate his conscience regardless of whether or not that person is religious. We hold that it is a fundamental principle of our country to maintain the separation of church and state. It is inconsistent with this separation to grant privileges to people who identify themselves as religious and to deny those same privileges to others solely on the grounds that they are not religious. The state cannot become the arbiter of God's relationship with men. Nor does it have the right or the ability to determine the validity of the religious basis for the convictions of one citizen as over against another. We believe that all men who cannot in good conscience submit to military training should be recognized as conscientious objectors, regardless of whether they assert a religious basis for their conviction against war and military training. We appreciate this opportunity to bring our convictions and deeply held concerns to your attention, and respectfully request your careful consideration of what we have here set forth. Sincerely, THELMA H. How, Secretary, Youth Services Division. STATEMENT BY WILLIAM C. DOYLE, CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION, THE AMERICAN LEGION Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, the American Legion sincerely appreciates this opportunity to recommend favorable action on S. 846. The American Legion's position on extension of the Universal Military Training and Service Act, as amended, is expressed in Resolution No. 5, which was unanimously adopted by the 44th Annual National Convention meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., October 1962. The text of that resolution said: Whereas the authority under the Universal Military Training and Service_Act (62 Stat. 604) to induct persons who have not been deferred, will expire on June 30, 1963; and Whereas voluntary enlistments in all branches of the Armed Forces are greatly influenced and encouraged by the mere existence of said act; and Whereas there are over 40,000 members of the Selective Service System working without compensation; and Whereas the Selective Service System has earned and enjoys the confidence of the overwhelming majority of the American people; and Whereas our Nation should never be without an obligation for every youth to serve his country in a military capacity and a system for their selection so to serve: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the American Legion in national convention assembled in Las Vegas, Nev., October 9-11, 1962, That the Universal Military Training and Service Act (62 Stat. 604) as amended, be further amended so that the same in is present form will be extended until June 30, 1967, and that the Director of Selective Service, State directors and their compensated and uncompensated personnel be commended for their outstanding performance in assisting the recruiting service of all branches of the Armed Forces with their respective recruiting programs; and that the American Legion use all its efforts and influence to this end. 95840-63- -3 We would also like to note that the act has played a major role in spurring voluntary enlistments in the Regular forces and a steady flow of manpower into Reserve components of the armed services. Past experience I believe will show conclusively that voluntary enlistments drop when the selective service machinery has been allowed to rust. The American Legion contends that the induction authority granted to the Selective Service System by the Universal Military Training and Service Act is absolutely necessary to maintaining relatively large numbers of personnel in the armed services. Forces of the size and quality required by the far-ranging commitments of the armed services cannot be maintained without placing an obligation on the youth of our country. The only alternative open to the country if there were no such system would be to maintain a smaller number of personnel in our active forces and a far greater number than are presently in our Reserve forces. According to our most knowledgeable military leaders, the fast-breaking manner in which crises develop in these critical times-Cuba, Lebanon, and Berlin, for example leave this country no alternative but to maintain a ready active force of considerable size. Extension of the Universal Military Training and Service Act for an additional 4 years is essential. STATEMENT OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BY J. A. MCCALLAM, V.M.D. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am J. A. McCallam,_and represent the American Veterinary Medical Association in Washington, D.C. Dr. H. E. Kingman, Jr., executive secretary of our association, had expected to testify on S. 846, but unfortunately is unable to be present. I am authorized to appear for our association. We appreciate the privilege of being able to present our views. The AVMA supports the continuation of the induction provisions of the Universal Military Training and Service Act, as amended, until July 1, 1967, which includes authority to make special calls for the induction of persons in medical, dental, and allied specialist categories. It should be mentioned that special calls have been utilized to provide veterinary officers for the military services. We recognize that in order to insure the national security of the United States, extension of this act is necessary. Referring to section 5 of the bill, it is noted that sections 302 and 303 of title 37, United States Code, would be amended to extend the provisions of each. We recommend extension of the sections cited in order that the provisions thereof relative to special pay would apply to physicians, dentists, and veterinarians appointed or called to active duty after July 1, 1963, and prior to July 1, 1967. Mr. Chairman, we should like at this time to bring to the attention of the committee a subject not directly related to the measure under consideration, although it does pertain to sections 302 and 303 of title 37, United States Code. It is the years of constructive service credit authorized certain officers of the Army, Air Force, and other medical services in the section cited above. Physicians are authorized 5 years, dentists 4; and such is creditable for pay and promotion purposes. We are convinced it is merited and represents recognition of many factors such as officer retention, economic-as related to opportunities in civil life-length of time required for professional education, etc. The 3 years' credit authorized veterinary officers, however, only counts for promotion purposes and from time of entry on active duty. One reason those in the former group were authorized the number of years credited was to compensate for the 4 years' study in a medical or dental school, and to equalize the status of these officers with their counterpart of similar age in the line. We submit that 4 years' constructive service is applicable to the doctor of veterinary medicine, since he also must complete 4 years' post graduate study. This is in addition to the 2 years of college as a minimum prerequisite for acceptance in a school of veterinary medicine. We call attention to the fact the latter is no different than the legal minimum preprofessional requirement established by the councils on education of the other professions mentioned. We understand some dental schools require 3 years' preprofessional college work, although very few. The following information, which is factual, relative to the enrollment of students in the first-year class of veterinary schools for the academic year 196263, is submitted. A total of 1,149 was accepted out of 2,664 applications processed. Of the 1,149 first-year students, 519 have had 2 years' preveterinary study, 260 have had 3 years, 223 have had 4 years, and 70 have had 5 years. Also, nine of the first-year students have M.S. or M.A. degrees (Journal AVMA, vol. 141, Dec. 15, 1962, No. 12). It is obvious the minimum requirement for acceptance as a first-year student in a school of veterinary medicine parallels that of the professions mentioned previously. Also, that approximately half have beyond the minimum preprofessional college education. VETERINARY MEDICAL FUNCTIONS The functions of the military veterinarian are varied but are similar to those of veterinarians in civilian life. The veterinary officer might be engaged in worldwide food inspection service to protect the health of troops, and the financial interest of the Government. Because his training in medical sciences parallels that of the physician, the doctor of veterinary medicine is qualified to assume certain preventive medicine and research activities in addition to those which are strictly veterinary medical in nature. Briefly stated, these include control of animal diseases transmissible to man, this being vital to the health of troops overseas; research activities in all projects involving food or animals, the data from animal research being used to assist in extrapolating probable effects on humans; nuclear energy research; radiation experiments to determine the effects upon animals, and by extrapolation upon man; assisting in research relating to preservation of food by radiation for feeding military personnel on the ground or in flight; biological research in passive defense, its effect on man by use of tests on animals. SERVICE CREDITSPECIAL PAY The constructive service credit authorized the veterinarian does not count, as you are aware, for basic pay purposes. Furthermore, a considerable disparity exists when the veterinarian completes 2 years' service, and from then to completion of his 10th year of service. In conclusion, the AVMA requests your consideration of an amendment to section 5, amending section 303 (special pay: veterinarians) of title 37, United States Code to coincide with that now authorized in section 302(b), title 37, of the United States Code, for physicians and dentists. Thank you again for the opportunity to present our views. WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 1963. Hon. RICHARD B. RUSSELL, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, The Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR RUSSELL: Would you be good enough to see that the enclosed statement of the Baltimore Yearly Meetings Joint Peace Committee is included in the printed hearings on the extension of the draft law? Thank you for this courtesy. Sincerely yours, BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETINGS JOINT PEACE COMMITTEE STATEMENT AGAINST THE DRAFT The Joint Peace Committee of the Baltimore Yearly Meetings of Friends wishes to speak out against any extension of the present draft law, expiring on June 30, 1963, for the following reasons: 1. The Society of Friends has had a religious testimony against war and violence for more than 300 years. 2. Our peace committee believes that reconciliation of differences if fundamental to replacing the war system. 3. Elimination of the draft is one definite act toward creation of a morale for peace necessary to reconcile differences. 4. Any national police service of our country should be entirely a voluntary matter in the best democratic tradition. 5. Such service-by-choice would tend to obviate the deleterious effect of attempts to evade the "call" by a rush for exemptions, restore and preserve fundamental democratic ideals, and elevate the morale of national service. 6. Career training given by the Armed Forces can be made available equally to civilians under more favorable circumstances by a program of scholarship aid with far less distrubance to the lives and welfare of young men and women. 7. We have a goodly heritage of civil life in the democratic spirit which we need to nourish and protect from the pervasion and perversion of encroaching militarism. The Joint Peace Committee is grateful for the past provisions exempting those who conscientiously object to compulsory service because of religious belief. However, its members feel that "religious belief" has hitherto been too narrowly defined. Hence we suggest that "religious belief" hereafter include any deeply felt, conscientious conviction against war and violence. Finally, since it has at last become official U.S. policy to work toward general disarmament, we hope you will see your way clear to advance that goal by (1) refusal to extend the draft law, and (2) redefinition of conscientious objector. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES, Hon. RICHARD B. RUSSELL, Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, Old Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., March 12, 1963. DEAR SENATOR RUSSELL: The Chamber of Commerce of the United States supports enactment of S. 846 before your committee to extend until July 1, 1967, the induction provisions of the Universal Military Training and Service Act, and for other purposes. It is evident that a continuation of the draft authority of this act is necessary to meet the manpower requirements of the Armed Forces, as these requirements cannot be met at this time through voluntary enlistments and reenlistments. In addition to supplying needed manpower through induction, the draft law has provided an important stimulus to voluntary enlistments. The draft law is also of importance in supplying or stimulating the necessary flow of young manpower into the various civilian components of the Armed Forces. One aspect of the administration of the draft law which has caused us considerable concern, however, is the high average induction age of approximately 23 years and the average continues to rise. This results from the requirement that local draft boards take-ahead of all others-the oldest men eligible for induction in the I-A classification between the ages of 19 and 26. Furthermore, many draft-inspired enlistees are from the older age levels. Defense officials have indicated that younger men make more efficient and enthusiastic soldiers, and are more likely to consider remaining in service on a career basis with the attraction of career incentives. More rapid progress toward to development and maintenance of a quality career force therefore is dependent upon getting young men into the Armed Forces-voluntarily or involuntarily— at a younger age. The induction of more men from the younger age group would bring additional benefits. The disruption of civilian careers of older men would be reduced by utilizing a higher proportion of the younger age group-the very group, by the way, in which there has been a considerable amount of unemployment. In addition, there is reason to believe the induction of younger men would result in savings to the armed services by reducing costs for dependents and related expenses which are higher among the older inductees. We We urge your committee to consider possible methods for reducing the average age of induction, such as amending the Universal Military Training and Service Act to provide flexibility for those administering the act to follow that course of action deemed most appropriate to achieve this vital objective. I would appreciate you making this letter a part of the hearings on S. 846. Sincerely, THERON J. RICE, Legislative Action General Manager. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, Hon. RICHARD B. RUSSELL, Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, Old Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR RUSSELL: The Disabled American Veterans is very pleased to know that a hearing is being held by your committee on the matter of extending the delimiting date of the Universal Military Training and Service Act. A resolution was adopted last August by our national convention commending the personnel of the universal military training and service program, and urging continuance of the act. Copy of the resolution is attached. This organization is vitally interested in this important legislation and is supporting it wholeheartedly. Sincerely yours, CHARLES L. HUBER, National Director of Legislation. RESOLUTION No. 162 (LEGISLATIVE MISCELLANEOUS) COMMENDING THE PERSONNEL OF THE UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING AND SERVICE PROGRAM, and URGING CONTINUANCE OF THE ACT TO JUNE 30, 1967 Whereas the authority under the Universal Military Training and Service Act (62 Stat. 604) to induct persons who have not been deferred will expire on June 30, 1963; and Whereas voluntary enlistments in all branches of the Armed Forces are greatly influenced and encouraged by the mere existence of said act; and Whereas there are over 40,000 members of the Selective Service System working without compensation; and Whereas the Selective Service System has earned and enjoys the confidence of the overwhelming majority of the American people; and Whereas our Nation should never be without an obligation for every youth to serve his country in a military capacity and a system for their selection so to serve: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in national convention assembled at Atlantic City, N.J., August 19-25, 1962, That the Universal Military Training and Service Act (62 Stat. 604) as amended, should be further amended so that the same in its present form will be extended until June 30, 1967; and that the Director of Selective Service, State directors, and their compensated and uncompensated personnel be commended for their outstanding performance in assisting the recruiting services of all branches of the Armed Forces with their respective recruiting programs. STATEMENT OF EUGENE FRIENDS MEETING, EUGENE, OREG., MARCH 3, 1963 Members of the Eugene Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends appeal to you to abolish conscription. We believe the hope of the future lies in finding peaceful solutions to international problems. We look upon universal military training as a tool in the cold war. We believe peacetime conscription helps to promote fear and tension and hinders an honest search for better solutions. Compulsory military service makes it inevitable that thousands of young men will be indoctrinated with a sense of overt suspicion and hostility to every move made by those who are classed as our enemies. This is an unavoidable concomitant of the military method. Such an attitude can make it impossible for those people so indoctrinated to recognize a peaceful overture even when one is made. On the other hand abolition of conscription could be a step toward peace. It could demonstrate to the world our good faith in our expressed desire for peace. It could help to further negotiations at the Geneva Disarmament Conference where manpower reduction is one of the negotiables. Philip Noel-Baker, British Nobel Prize winner, said in a recent speech, "*** It will be a reduction of manpower which will convince the common people of the world that disarmament is seriously intended." From the purely practical standpoint of providing manpower we understand this system of universal military training is wasteful and inefficient. We deplore its effect on the lives of our young people, interfering as it does with their higher education, vocational choices, and family life. |