I am more confused than ever. From my exposure, I would think the once converted, one would have to leave the military immediately -- even if meant sitting in a military prison. The same principles should apply as applied to members being drafted. My uncle spent time in Danbury Federal Prison. One of the reasons money was so tight in the family was that no male members served in the military. Veterans' preference is a strong force in the market. Altho I was raised that it was bad, I feel there should be even stronger veterans' preference.
I feel sorry for an md in a combat area having to know and then apply this memo.
Interesting find. So what does the Society actually teach today? If there are two strands of belief, anyone who goes to prison for the neutrality doctrine is a fool.
I've also read that early Christians both served in the Roman Army and refused to serve during the same time period. Local beliefs seemed to determine the outcome. So it wasn't clear to the earliest generations.