U.S. Soldier Refuses to Go to Iraq

Spc. Kristoffer Walker of the Wisconsin Army Reserve announced by email to his superiors yesterday that he will not return to Iraq with his unit. Walker most recently served in Iraq since October 2008 as a truck driver and later as an employee at a headquarters office.

Walker states that he refuses to return because he believes that the War in Iraq is "an illegitimate, unnecessary campaign." While the Army has urged Walker to deploy with his unit, and even suggested to him enlisting as a conscientious objector, Walker still refuses to return to occupy Iraq. He claims that he could not be classified as a conscientious objector because he believes a retaliatory war can be just and necessary. Walker insists that the Army has breached their contract by sending him on a mission that does not entail defending the United States.

Walker previously served a year tour of duty in Iraq as an infantryman. If he does not report for duty within thirty days, Walker may be arrested for being absent without leave or ultimately desertion.

Here is an interview of Lt. Ehren Watada, the first officer to refuse to return to Iraq.