Eh, prison would be pretty extreme. There are plenty of ways to be free of the military without too heavy consequences. Probably not a common example, but I was able to barracks lawyer my way into getting booted out to avoid stop-loss and a 2nd deployment, while still keeping my benefits. There are ways, and I think these ways are key to help turn some of them...
One thing you should all be aware of in discussions about "the troops": The GI Rights Hotline. From their website:
Since 1994, the GI Rights Hotline has been providing free, confidential, and accurate information on US military regulations and practices to servicemembers, veterans, potential recruits, and their families.
We are a consortium of nearly twenty non-governmental, non-profit organizations located in eleven states and in Germany. Some of our counselors are veterans, some are lawyers and some have decades of military counseling experience. We are in constant contact with each other to stay up-to-date on the latest military regulations and practices.
We provide resources and counseling options. Many of us are not lawyers and therefore cannot give legal advice, but, in cases in which an attorney might be useful, we may be able to help you find one.
Why is this important? Basically they act as expert advocates for soldiers who generally have no clue about their rights and/or navigating the military legal system. If soldiers are trying to get out, or are in trouble for something else, like failing a piss test, these people can help them break free with the least amount of damage to their record.
In addition to the GI Rights Hotline, there are some veteran's antiwar groups like About Face and Iraq Veterans Against the War who are also extremely helpful in this regard.
Eh, prison would be pretty extreme. There are plenty of ways to be free of the military without too heavy consequences. Probably not a common example, but I was able to barracks lawyer my way into getting booted out to avoid stop-loss and a 2nd deployment, while still keeping my benefits. There are ways, and I think these ways are key to help turn some of them...
One thing you should all be aware of in discussions about "the troops": The GI Rights Hotline. From their website:
Why is this important? Basically they act as expert advocates for soldiers who generally have no clue about their rights and/or navigating the military legal system. If soldiers are trying to get out, or are in trouble for something else, like failing a piss test, these people can help them break free with the least amount of damage to their record.
In addition to the GI Rights Hotline, there are some veteran's antiwar groups like About Face and Iraq Veterans Against the War who are also extremely helpful in this regard.