A group of Detroit-based activists came together in the spring of 2005 to form Finding Alternatives to Military Enlistment. Of different ages, faiths and backgrounds, we agreed the U.S. war and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan were being carried out under subterfuge. We formed FAME to challenge the military’s recruitment policies and tactics.

Young people join the military because they want to learn skills or get the college education that they feel is otherwise out of their reach. But risking one’s life to secure oil and natural gas lines for U.S.-based companies or in order to strengthen U.S. dominance in the region is an inappropriate bargain. We want to do all that we can so that young men and women are not forced into an “economic draft.” FAME’s task is to talk to young people and parents about why the promises of the military recruiters are misleading. We identify other antiwar organizations–particularly Vets for Peace, Iraqi Vets for Peace, and Military Families Speak Out–as specifically supporting antiwar GIs, and work with them to spread the word about how the false promises of military life are hazardous to a democratic and productive society. The majority of America opposes the occupation of Iraq, however almost 2,400 U.S. soldiers are dead and 17,000 have been injured. The number of Iraqi dead and wounded remains shrouded in secrecy. It is within this context that FAME is organizing.

We believe that young people should be able to make informed decisions about their lives and military service, based on clear and accurate information. We are committed to countering the current myths and lies about the benefits of military service and about the war this government is asking young Americans to fight. We are committed to ending the “economic draft” by helping young people find educational and employment alternatives to the military.

In the last couple months we’ve spent two very meaningful days at Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, and another day at Oak Park High in Oak Park. Although I’ve been on the organizing end of this from the beginning, I must admit I was a little intimidated when it was actually time to speak to a group of high school students. I remember what my peers and I were like in high school, and giving attention to a guest speaker wasn’t always our primary goal. To my surprise, all the youth were very respectful and had a lot to add to the discussion. In both schools the group that the teachers warned were their most energetic, also seemed to be the most engaged. From each group’s attention and comments, it was obvious the students were glad we were there. After talking about how military recruiters receive a sum of money for each new recruit, one student asked if we were paid to be there, I noticed them sit up in their seats a little more when they learned we were volunteers. Many of the students have family and friends currently serving in the military, some in Iraq. The vocal youth in the class were against the war, and college-bound. Only a few admitted they have thought about joining the military as an option after they graduate. Although it seemed that most of the youth we talked to weren’t considering the military before our presentation, I believe many of the youth will share what they’ve learned with someone who may be considering enlistment, we have equipped the students with many talking points, as well as our website to refer people to. This experience has actually made me reconsider teaching. I was reminded what a major influence a teacher can be–what an opportunity to create more activists!

Unfortunately, we are having a hard time getting into the schools. Run around, avoidance, excuses... The small success we’ve had have been thanks to people that we know. I’m hoping this is a way you can help, please share teachers and counselors names with us, and share our website and contact information with them. Parents and students can also be particularly instrumental in getting us into their schools.

With the rising death toll of American soldiers and the expectation that we will be in Iraq for a long time, and then moving into Iran... and every other place around the world the United States is stationed or will be. The effort of counter recruiting will unfortunately be necessary for years to come. When students, parents and teachers learn more about who we are and what we do, we will need a much larger speakers team to speak in schools, community centers and churches. Can we count on you? I encourage you to join our efforts. We will be planning another speakers training soon. We meet at 7:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit.

Please visit our website and share it with students, parents and teachers.