AFZS-AV-AHB-C

24 June 1996

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, C Company, 2-10 Aviation Regiment, Ft. Drum, New York 13602.

SUBJECT: Conscientious Objector interview of SPC John R. Goldthwaite of C Company, 2-10 Aviation Regiment, Ft. Drum, New York, 13602.

1. I interviewed SPC John Goldthwaite on 29 May 1996 in my office. This interview was my third meeting with this soldier. the nature of this soldier's claim is that his conscience will no longer allow him to serve in the Army, even as a noncombatant.

2. The basis of this soldier's claim is the belief that the drug interdiction missions conducted by our United States Armed Forces are morally and ethically wrong. He also believes that the methods used by the United States government to prevent illegal immigration is immoral and unethical. The United States Army conducts operations in both drug interdiction and assists in the interdiction of illegal immigration. Remaining in an Army that participates in these operations is a violation of his conscience.

a) In reference to his objections to the enforcement of immigration laws, SPC Goldthwaite states; "I can not in good conscience deprive a person of his natural liberty to cross an imagined border." "Nor could I in good conscience support those who by their enforcement efforts, deprive people of their health, life, and who refuse to submit to their arbitrary rule."

b) In reference to his objections to the enforcement of drug laws, SPC Goldthwaite states: "I consider the use of drugs unwise, but compared to the outrages of the War on Drugs, (United States Policy on drug law enforcement and interdiction), It is most benign." "I could not in good conscience enforce such outrageous and immoral laws and for me to support them is tantamount to supporting robbery, vandalism, assault, enslavement and murder."

3. The sources of this soldier's beliefs were his experiences during Advanced Individual Training, the Defense Language Institute, and the training he received at Goodfellow Air Force Base. It was his training at Goodfellow Air Force Base that focused on U.S. drug policy that he found the most objectionable. Other sources of his beliefs are listed below:

a) Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do, by Peter McWilliams, published by Prelude Press, 1993.

b) The Lysander Spooner Reader, by Lysander Spooner, a collection of his writings published by Fox & Wilkes Publishers, 1992.

4. It is my opinion that SPC Goldthwaite holds his beliefs sincerely and feels his convictions deeply. If this request is denied, he will continue to object to his continued military service. He will continue to pursue his release from active duty by every honest and legal means. He further stated that he will resist supporting and participating in the enforcement of these and any other laws, or actions, by our government that he views as immoral.

5. If you have any questions concering this interview please contact me at .............

(signed)
KEITH E. KILGORE
CH (CPT), USA
Battalion Chaplain.