Why I Chose Not to Join the Military: A Canadian Perspective

As a Canadian/American dual national, the idea of joining the military never appealed to me for a combination of personal beliefs and health reasons. On my 18th birthday in December 1995, I registered with the Selective Service in the United States, a requirement back then for males. Unfortunately, as an openly gay man, I was unable to serve in the military. This realization only solidified my resolve: I am allergic to the idea of putting others in harm's way, especially when I'm unable to contribute to it positively.

The backdrop of my decision is rooted in my Quaker background. As members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, we uphold the principle of pacifism. This means that carrying a weapon or supporting military operations is not an option for us. Some of us may opt for alternative services, such as being a military medic, while others choose not to participate in any form of military service at all. My situation falls into the latter category, as serving in support roles or carrying a gun is not something I can get behind under any circumstances.

Though I could have had the opportunity to join either the United States or Canadian military, my pacifist beliefs and my commitment to nonviolence ultimately steered me towards a different path. During my university years in the United States during the Vietnam War era, I faced a draft lottery. My number was assigned, but it was higher than the threshold for conscription, so I was spared from being drafted. Instead, I chose to return to Canada, where I could serve my fellow humans through a career in medicine.

Being a medical professional has been my chosen service to the community. I dedicated my career to caring for and supporting others, ensuring that my hands were always in a position to help rather than harm. Although joining the military seemed like a possibility, the idea of taking another human life, even to protect others, was not something I could bear to contemplate.

Fast forward to the day I joined the Canadian military on my 17th birthday, 34 years ago tomorrow. My initial attempt to join the Canadian Forces right after high school was thwarted by my physical disability. This setback led me to focus on volunteer work, helping those in need. I became a volunteer with agencies that provided services to disabled adults and children, like instructing disabled kids in swimming and reading to seniors in nursing homes. These experiences allowed me to contribute to my community in a meaningful way and left a lasting impact on the lives of those around me.

Although my journey to find a sense of service led me to volunteer work, my desire to help others remained strong. After my serious accident that damaged my brain, my academic pursuits as a psychologist were derailed. However, my commitment to being the best version of myself never wavered. I continued to offer support to my friends and community members, always ready to lend a helping hand.

In the end, the decision to not join the military was not a reflection of a lack of patriotism or love for my country. Instead, it was a deeply held belief in the value of life and the importance of taking a stand against violence and harm. If you are my friend and in need, you can count on me to be there for you, just as I strive to be there for the community and those in my immediate circle. After all, isn't that what everyone should aim for?