Active duty Air Force members Become Conscientious Objectors Over Gaza w/ Greg Stoker
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In this episode of State of Play, Greg Stoker is joined by two active-duty U.S. Air Force airmen who have made the bold decision to become conscientious obje...

In this episode of State of Play, Greg Stoker is joined by two active-duty U.S. Air Force airmen who have made the bold decision to become conscientious objectors in response to U.S. involvement in Israel’s war in Gaza. Senior Airman Juan Betancourt and Senior Airman Larry Hebert share their personal journeys, from their initial motivations to join the military to the pivotal moments that led them to oppose their roles in the ongoing crisis.

These airmen discuss the ethical and moral dilemmas they faced, the difficult process of filing for conscientious objector status, and the support (and backlash) they have received from their peers and superiors. They also touch on broader issues such as the impact of the Gaza crisis on military recruitment and retention, and the growing discontent within the ranks of the U.S. military.

Tune in to hear their compelling stories and gain insight into the challenges and complexities of serving in the military during a time of controversial foreign policy decisions.

Timestamps:

  1. 00:00 - Introduction
  2. 01:20 - Meet Senior Airman Juan Betancourt
  3. 02:45 - Meet Senior Airman Larry Hebert
  4. 05:30 - What is a Conscientious Objector?
  5. 09:00 - The Gaza Conflict: A Catalyst for Change
  6. 15:00 - The Decision to Become a Conscientious Objector
  7. 20:00 - Reactions from Peers and Superiors
  8. 25:00 - The Broader Impact on Military Recruitment and Retention
  9. 30:00 - Final Thoughts and Messages to Fellow Service Members

Resources:

  1. Center on Conscience and War (https://centeronconscience.org/)
  1. Veterans for Peace (https://www.veteransforpeace.org/)
  1. GI Rights Hotline (https://girightshotline.org/)

#GazaConflict #ConscientiousObjector #USAirForce #StateOfPlay