According to US law, the Amish are eligible to be drafted into the military if the draft is ever reinstated. However, it’s unlikely that they would actually be drafted. This is because the Amish typically file for conscientious objector status, which means they request exemption from military service due to their religious beliefs that oppose violence.
So while they could technically be drafted, they would likely be exempted from serving in combat roles due to their conscientious objection to warfare.
When there’s been a draft, like during World War II, Amish men of fighting age didn’t have to go to war.
They were still required to serve, but in different ways. They worked in hospitals or forestry, which didn’t clash with their beliefs. The Amish are not opposed to serving their country.
The Amish believe strongly in non-violence. They refuse to participate in activities that involve using weapons or harming others.
This includes being part of any system, like the military, where they might be required to take someone’s life or cause injury.
In the past, the military often rejected requests for exemption from service if they thought the person was just trying to avoid combat.
However, if someone has grown up in a peaceful Amish community and sincerely opposes violence, it’s hard for the military to argue against their beliefs.
If the US Congress decides to bring back the military draft, your birthday and registration number determine if you get drafted. It doesn’t matter if you’re Amish. If your number is called, you have to report to the induction center.
There, they’ll assess if you’re fit for military service. You can request an exemption during this process.
⇒ Did You Know?
- In the United States, there hasn’t been a military draft since 1973. However, all males between 18 and 26 are still required by law to register for Selective Service, regardless of whether there’s an active draft or not.
More Reasons Why the Amish Won’t Get Drafted
Certain aspects of the Amish faith clash with military requirements, like their Sunday observance and the practice of growing facial hair after marriage.
The military would struggle to accommodate these unique needs without opening the door for similar requests from other religious groups. To avoid complications, they might opt not to exclude the Amish from drafting.
Moreover, the Amish population in the US is around 370,000, which is relatively small.
This means that even if they were eligible for the draft, excluding them would not pose significant logistical challenges.
⇒ Did You Know:?
- The Amish don’t get involved in politics, legal battles, or working in law enforcement.
Wrapping It Up
The U.S. government offers alternative service options for people who refuse to fight for religious or moral reasons, like the Amish. This ensures they can still do their part without going against their beliefs.
These arrangements show how the U.S. tries to respect people’s religious beliefs while still meeting national duties. It’s a way to include pacifist groups like the Amish in national defense efforts without making them do things against their faith.