Cold War Dutch conscientious objector (281)

In 1987 Martin received a letter informing him of his conscription into the Dutch Army. A number of European NATO countries had conscription during the Cold War. Holland’s applied to men over the age of 18 and included service for about a year, after which you were placed on the reserve.

Martin objected to military service as a conscientious objector on religious grounds. Conscientious objectors could perform alternative civilian service instead of military service. However to get to be an official “conscientious objector” you had to pass multiple military courts and military procedures which was especially challenging for someone aged 17 years old.

Martin is very honest about his beliefs and his experiences. During the Cold War he was seen by some as an enemy because he refused to bear arms to protect his country.

You may disagree with his views, but it’s a Cold War topic that is little covered elsewhere and I’m sure you will find my conversation with Martin as fascinating and powerful as I did. 

 0:00 Introduction to Cold War Conversations and Martin's military interaction

0:58 Conscription during the Cold War and Martin's conscientious objection

2:13 Sponsor message and user testimony

4:30 Martin's family's experiences and his draft notice

10:54 Process and challenges of becoming a conscientious objector

22:07 Martin's moral position and Ian's comments

24:10 Attempts to avoid conscription and Dutch law

29:37 Anti-nuclear movement in Holland and soldiers' participation

33:39 Martin's gratitude for the law and public reaction to his conscientious objection

41:19 Perception of conscientious objectors and Martin's replacement service

48:26 Current status of conscription in the Netherlands

53:05 Martin's perspective on defending his country and serving humanity

56:51 Podcast extras, call for support, and closing remarks

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