Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried

Green Berets

A conscientious objector can declare that military
service or combat duty is counter to his religious or
moral beliefs, but must be able to demonstrate that
the objection is long-lasting and sincere.

Though resisting the draft can carry stiff
fines and even prison sentences, during the Vietnam
War there were far too many people to punish.

Writing Exercise
Ask students to write a short essay on Mary Anne’s transformation from an
innocent high school girl into a predatory killer.

Conscription and the U.S. Draft
Although the United States Constitution does not
directly mention the word “draft� (or even the older
term—“conscription�), it does give Congress certain
power.

Since September
11, 2001, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have
kept the idea of reinstituting the draft in the public’s
mind, but Congress has rejected all bills that call for
conscription, and all the troops serving in the U.S.
military have enlisted voluntarily.

According to the SSS, President Franklin
Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service
Act of 1940, creating the country’s first peacetime
draft and formally established the agency.

A conscientious objector can declare that military
service or combat duty is counter to his religious or
moral beliefs, but must be able to demonstrate that
the objection is long-lasting and sincere.

HANDOUT TWO
National Endowment for the Arts The Big Read â€Ã‚¢ 17

Writers use figurative language such as imagery, similes, and metaphors
to help the reader visualize and experience events and emotions in a story.

Article I, Section 8, states that Congress
shall have the power to declare war; raise and
support armies; maintain a navy; and provide for
organizing, arming, and disciplining a militia.