All of us separately and together did exactly what we were asked to do by our local congregations and (tacitly) by our Governing Body at the time. It was told to each of us quietly, circumspectly with caution: "Do NOT tell anybody you were instructed to do this. You must say it is your conscience." IRONIC, isn't it? We were told what to say as if our "conscience" was concluding ALTERNATE service was just as bad as military service.
What a bunch of snakes. No one who is opposed to military service would object to some sort of civilian community service instead. The WT was just creating martyrs as usual with their flock. You got used.
Ironic? Yes, lots of irony...If you actually follow your conscience and accept alternative service, you'll be disfellowshipped and never see your family again. You'll be physically free, but experience a social and familial prison.
If, you go against your conscience and obey the high leaders at WT, you'll go to prison, and must live life as a felon the rest of your life, - can never own a gun, vote, be a lawyer, run for office, get a good job etc.
I knew a good JW kid who went to prison for a short time for a marijuana charge while still a teenager. He got a good job as a trustee saddling horses for the squad bosses and riding fence lines mending fences miles from the prison sometimes. He later said that it was the first time in his life that he felt truly free compared to growing up JW.
