From 1965-70, AFSC helped build the antiwar coalitions that challenged U.S policy in Vietnam.
Bridging the divide between liberal faith groups and more radical antiwar resisters, we argued for a big tent and broad peace movement. Through our research and communication project NARMIC (National Action/Research on the Military Industrial Complex), we provided critical facts and analysis to help activists confront corporate war profiteers. For years, AFSC and Quakers were also at the center of the draft resistance movement.
After President Nixon announced the “end of war” in 1973, NARMIC and our staff on the ground in Vietnam revealed another story. Automated weapons were continuing to rain terror from the skies, not only in Vietnam, but also in Cambodia and Laos. From 1973-75, we campaigned and convened stakeholders to help bring a real end to hostilities. By 1978, when few nongovernmental organizations were permitted to remain in the region, AFSC continued to work for peace and reconciliation, having earned trust on all sides.
1960s-1990s
NARMIC (National Action/Research on the Military Industrial Complex)
The researchers of NARMIC drew on many sources to expose the military industrial complex. Their slide shows and reports were widely used by churches and peace groups.
NARMIC’s slide show on the automated air war revealed the military’s strategy to “give wherever possible the appearance of peace while executing war; replace the man with the machine.”
This sensor, designed by Honeywell Corporation to look like animal dung, sends a signal when stepped on that allows a computer to trigger a bomb.
Munitions used in Vietnam, on display from NARMIC's slideshow 'Automated Air War.'
Through our research and communication project NARMIC (National Action/Research on the Military Industrial Complex), AFSC provided critical facts and analysis to help activists confront corporate war profiteers. After President Nixon announced the “end of war” in 1973, NARMIC and our staff on the ground in Vietnam revealed another story. Automated weapons were continuing to rain terror from the skies, not only in Vietnam, but also in Cambodia and Laos. From 1973-75, we campaigned and convened stakeholders to help bring a real end to hostilities.
1950s-1980s
Draft Resistance and Counseling
The draft brought many young men who opposed the war to AFSC for military counseling.
Draft Counselor training.
An anti-draft rally in Philadelphia, PA.
Youth Summer Project in California focussing on countering militarism and the draft.
For years, AFSC and Quakers were at the center of the draft resistance movement, and by the Vietnam era, AFSC was one of the main sources of counseling and support for men resisting the draft for moral or political reasons.
1967-1975
Quang Ngai Clinic
At AFSC’s Quang Ngai rehabilitation hospital in South Vietnam, patients from both sides of the conflict received treatment side-by-side.
Ingeniously designed U.S. sensors and explosives uncovered by NARMIC harmed only people, not buildings or military equipment.
In July 1967 AFSC established the Quaker Rehabilitation Center on the grounds of the Quang Ngai Province Hospital where patients from both sides of the conflict received treatment side-by-side.
1960s-1970s
US Protests
Despite intense Cold War politics, AFSC promoted broad antiwar coalitions that included mainline churches, student groups, labor unions, and more radical organizations.
From 1965-70, AFSC helped build the antiwar coalitions that challenged U.S policy in Vietnam. Bridging the divide between liberal faith groups and more radical antiwar resisters, we argued for a big tent and broad peace movement.
1970s
Anti-Militarism
During the war in Vietnam, AFSC produced educational materials and trained CO counselors to challenge the draft and the war.
After the war, AFSC continued to organize against military recruitment, calling for an end to militarism and the “poverty draft.”
When the “all-volunteer” army targeted low-income, minority youth, AFSC’s Youth and Militarism Program helped open doors to college and other non-military career options.
This comprehensive guide to nonmilitary options after high school covered everything from “serving your country peacefully” to “seeing the world” and “greening your career.”
With the transition to an all-volunteer army in the 1970s, low-income youth and communities of color became the primary targets for recruiters. To challenge this “poverty draft,” we developed resources to educate young people about other life options. We also created tools to help unmask and challenge deceptive recruiting practices.
