Clay Smaine says Blurring the lines between when military service ends and Peace Corps service begins threatens not only the clarity of the Peace Corps mission, but also the safety of our volunteers



"Citizens have served in both the military and the Peace Corps and should be applauded for their service. My concern is that service in these agencies should be clearly delineated and not offered in tandem as part of military recruitment."

Clay Smaine says Blurring the lines between when military service ends and Peace Corps service begins threatens not only the clarity of the Peace Corps mission, but also the safety of our volunteers

Peace Corps, military

The Peace Corps provides a compelling example of service to our nation that is as unique as it is challenging.

For this reason, I am concerned to learn that legislation passed by Congress nearly three years ago is resulting in Peace Corps service being offered in a military-recruitment program.

The success of the Peace Corps volunteer who takes on an assignment in a different country is contingent upon integrating within the community to which s/he is assigned and building bridges of friendship.

Blurring the lines between when military service ends and Peace Corps service begins threatens not only the clarity of the Peace Corps mission, but also the safety of our volunteers.

Citizens have served in both the military and the Peace Corps and should be applauded for their service. My concern is that service in these agencies should be clearly delineated and not offered in tandem as part of military recruitment.

Clay Smaine

Los Alamos

When this story was posted in August 2005, this was on the front page of PCOL:



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Military Option sparks concerns The U.S. military, struggling to fill its voluntary ranks, is allowing recruits to meet part of their military obligations by serving in the Peace Corps. Read why there is rising opposition to the program among RPCVs. Director Vasquez says the agency has a long history of accepting qualified applicants who are in inactive military status. John Coyne says "Not only no, but hell no!" Latest: RPCV Chris Matthews to discuss the issue on Hardball tonight.

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Special Events for RPCVs RPCV's "Taking the Early Bus" at Cal State until Aug 15 "Artists and Patrons in Traditional African Cultures" in NY thru Sept 30 See RPCV Musical "Doing Good" in CA through Sept RPCV Film Festival in DC in October

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July 17, 2005: This Week's Top Stories C. Payne Lucas writes "Can we win the war on HIV/Aids?" 11 July Director Vasquez hints at expansion in Bangladesh 17 July Why didn't I spend my life helping others? 17 July John Beasley returns to the islands of Micronesia 17 July Jennifer Field to study glacier melting 17 July Tucker McCravy works with Serendib in Sri Lanka 17 July David Vick writes "Waging civilized warfare" 16 July Tom Petri says Nelson helped to promote civility 16 July Peace Corps Director Visits Volunteers in Mongolia 15 July John Bridgeland writes "An example for Boomers" 15 July Robert Blackwill says India and US have a great future 15 July Peace Corps debuts new internet recruitment tool 14 July Eight New Country Directors Appointed 13 July Shelton Johnson Honored for Buffalo Soldier program 13 July Bill Lorenz leads trek for Sudanese refugees 12 July Emilie Pryor says Peace Corps ignores Lariam problems 12 July DDN is Award Finalist for reporting on PC Safety 11 July Randy Lewis to hire 200 people with cognitive disabilities 10 July Maryland needs people like Tom Lewis 10 July Dan DeWayne puts on music festival 10 July

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