AFZS-AV-CAV-T

27 AUG 96

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Conscientious Objector Interview with 1LT Christopher O'Donnel (27 Aug 96)

1. On 27 August 1996 I conducted an interview with 1LT Christopher O'Donnel to discuss the Conscientious Objector claim made by SPC John R. Goldthwaite. This interview was conducted IAW AR 600-43, and listed below are the results of the interview.

Q. When does SPC Goldthwaite return from leave?
A. He will be back to work after the Labor Day Weekend.

Q. How long have you known SPC Goldthwaite?
A. Since January 96 when I became his Platoon Leader. SPC Hopkins, and SPC Mellon both knew him at AIT and DLI. Those two have known him the longest in the unit, and probably know him the best.

Q. Is SPC Goldthwaite active in unit functions?
A. Yes, as much as anyone else.

Q. Did SPC Goldthwaite write the statement he turned in [in] reference [to] his views as a CO?
A. Yes, he did write it. He has mentioned this "Natural Law" stuff before.

Q. When did you first hear about SPC Goldthwaite's desires to be classified as a CO?
A. I first heard about it after he submitted his paper work. He totally bypassed the chain of command.

Q. What type of soldier/person is SPC Goldthwaite?
A. He has been a good worker that has never complained. He does feel that it is illegal to defend borders - "People should be able to do whatever they want." He is a good follower, not a leader.

Q. Has SPC Goldthwaite had any major problems since his arrival?
A. No, he has always done whatever we ask of him. SFC Di Tinno (PLT SGT) felt he may have met someone in San Francisco while on leave, SPC Goldthwaite had stated he was visiting a friend while on leave. But that has never been confirmed.

Q. SPC Goldthwaite went to the Language Olympics and then on leave and then put in his paper work?
A. Yes, he returned and announced and expressed his views.

Q. Do you feel this soldier is sincere in his current beliefs?
A. Yes, and I also feel he is not suitable in his current MOS of 98G.

Q. Do you feel his statements are political, religious, or moral and ethical?
A. I feel they are political, but his beliefs are moral and ethical.

Q. Would SPC Goldthwaite fight in any war?
A. Maybe, but I am not willing to stake my life or [the lives of other] soldiers on it. I think he would use deadly force in self-defense. He is sincere. He has said it enough.

Q. Has SPC Goldthwaite ever talked about politics before his CO request was turned in?
A. Yes, he has talked about being against gun control.

Q. Did he ever mention Drug Control?
A. No, and he never mentioned any extremist type views.

Q. What is SPC Goldthwaite's definition of Natural Law?
A. It is that people should be able to do whatever they want as long as it does not hurt others.

Q. Had you ever heard in the past that SPC Goldthwaite had desires to get out of the Army at Goodfellow AFB?
A. Yes, it has been confirmed that he tried to get out of the Army.

Q. Do you feel SPC Goldthwaite could be targeted/approached by Extremist Groups?
A. No, if we felt that we would have contacted counter intelligence. We did pull his Top Secret Security Clearance as soon as we found out about his CO status request.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add?
A. Yes, I feel that because of [his] CO request, SPC Goldthwaite could not perform duties in [his] current MOS, and [his] current CO status puts him as a security risk.

Q. Is SPC Goldthwaite sincere in his claim?
A. Yes he is sincere in what he believes in.

2. POC for this interview is CPT Martinez at (extension)

(singed)
Robert A. Martinez
CPT, AV
Investigating Officer.