Willing to bear arms?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

[LeprechaunSean 0]

actually if you don't want to bear arms but do want to become a US citizen you can have them alter the oath of allegiance. However I believe they usually ask for evidence to back up your beliefs, etc.. check this out...

http://www.***removed***/citizenship/natura...h-ceremony.html

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The part I focused on was ' . . or serve in some other capacity" (I don't recall the exact words).

[Dakine 26]

For me anyone who won't assist in "some" way defending themselves, family and friends shouldn't be allowed to immigrate to the USA.

Physically using a gun is another story.

[elishav 0]

There are many religions that don't allow for defending yourself or the country using any kind of force, so not taking up arms for such reasons religious or likewise is part of the first amendment(freedom of religion) in the constitution , otherwise known as the founding document of our country as anyone who has studied for the citizenship test knows quite well by now . The federal government does recognize this and makes accomodations with proof.

[Otto 83]

The question is "Would you be willing to bear arms if the law were to ever require it?" it is very unlikely this would ever take place (it would be a very serious situation for the country to be in if it were to come to pass). That said, there are many ways for a person to bear arms other than holding a gun.

Edited November 30, 2009 by Otto und Karin

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Yeah I'm pretty sure there you can do civil service..........although I'm not really sure what that entails

[NickD 203]

Bearing arms for your country in practice is a loaded question. First off, it's getting very difficult in this country to even buy a firearm, have to go through an FBI check first. If called into military service, they just don't issue a gun to anybody, have go through a psychological evaluation first, age requirements, safety and qualification training. They are not exactly stupid, with a loaded weapon in your hand, you could just as easily kill your own commander as well as the enemy. They, for the most part, do not issue guns to idiots.

N-400 asks this question as follows:

"If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf the United States?"

Yes, my wife had problem with that question, she married an ex-military man that also owns guns, with a 13 daughter coming with her I did disassemble my guns and have them locked away, but did leave a non working antique Kentucky rifle hanging over my fireplace, she likes that. Both my army captain neighbor explained to her, first their is no law that requires her to bear arms, and since she is well over 26, could not enlist even if she wanted to. Then they don't specify the conditions that will occur if such a law was passed. The only scenario we can come up with, is that the enemy would be at our door step shooting at her and her daughter, and in that event, would should be willing to fire back. She answered yes to that question, maybe not for herself, but certainly to attempt to protect her daughter, so she did answer "yes" to that question.

She is even having second thoughts on her own country where it's near impossible for a citizen to own a gun, especially when Chavez in Venezuela armed is soldiers with AK-47's to keep college students from having a demonstration against his last election. By using such tactics, he won. This may give you second thoughts as well, her son was in college. It doesn't take very many solders armed with tanks and AK-47's to control a very large armless crowd. Think about it.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

For me anyone who won't assist in "some" way defending themselves, family and friends shouldn't be allowed to immigrate to the USA.

Physically using a gun is another story.

Note that I said bear arms...nothing to do with defending my family. As a mother of 3, I would lay down my life for them.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Interesting points of view - thanks all. I have no particular religious beliefs against guns or war, I simply do not believe that for myself, I would be part of a military effort involving using a firearms.

[NickD 203]

Interesting points of view - thanks all. I have no particular religious beliefs against guns or war, I simply do not believe that for myself, I would be part of a military effort involving using a firearms.

Can you even? Even for selective service registration, have to be a male between the ages of 18 and 26, does this describe you? Are you even in the age group for the voluntary service requirements?

These are the age requirements for enlistment to active military service:

"Army - 42 (must ship to basic training prior to 42nd birthday)

• Air Force - 27
• Navy - 34
• Marines - 28
• Coast Guard - Age 27. Note: up to age 32 for those selected to attend A-school directly upon enlistment (this is mostly for prior service)"

So you even fall within this range and can you pass the psychological and aptitude tests? Then there is a very rigid physical exam you have to pass, even my son was rejected to his great disappointment because he has a very minor thyroid gland problem where a cheap pill once every three days correct, but otherwise, very physically and mentally fit.

Just sayin', it ain't very easy to get in, and with three kids, even when we had the draft, they would want no part of you, would have to give you free medical and dental care to your kids even if you met all the other requirements. You would be too expensive for the government.

I wouldn't hesitate to say yes to that question, would be a miracle for the government to give you free use of a rather expensive weapon and free ammo. You even get a free license to kill for your country. Regarding any religion, when I was drafted, they separated us by religion, and we were all told it's okay to kill for your country by our respective churches. If they would even take me back today, which is highly unlikely, with my pilot experience would demand they gave me an F-22. And in your case, you already stated you would fight to defend your kids, so what is your problem in saying, yes?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

As an almost 40 yr old mother to 3 - doubt I'd be subjected

My issue is more that I would be lying and I take the issue of guns seriously

[Redneck-NOVA 1]

This is a tricky question though. As you can guess from my signnature, I'm a gun enthusiast and own several guns, most of which would fall under what anti-gunners define as an assualt or military grade weapon. For the most part, I own them as a hobby. I don't hunt, but I enjoy target shooting. It a very addictive hobby too. I never owned a firearm before coming to the US as it is very hard in my home country, but I have always been interested in guns, both in their history and, as an engineer, in it's mechanics. The main reason to own A gun for me is personal defense though. I enjoy having an effective tool to defend myself and I am very passionate about having a right to own and carry one. As it's often said, "when seconds count poilice is only minutes away". But in this capacity it's a safety tool for me and nothing more.

However, bearing arms on behalf of the country is a whole different matter. I'd not think twice to use a gun to defend myself and my family. However, I have very little faith in the government (and yes, dealing with USCIS for several years didn't help much ) and generally don't agree with many policy (including foreign policy) desicions. While I see a number of political and tactical reasons for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I wouldn't risk my life in such conflicts. All in all, ever since the Civil War (or the War of Northern Agression as we call it here, below the Mason-Dixon line ), there was not a single conflict which I would consider a personal defense issue for most of US residents and I don't think any of them called for a mandatory draft.

However, I think that professional members of Armed Forces who made a voulantary choice to join the military, do have, in fact, a professional obligation to follow the orders and participate in whatever conflict government calls them to join. But the only situation in which I would consider a total mandatory draft of all able people into the military fair, is when the enemy is literally at your doorstep and fighting is going on on the native soil. But since realistically this is pretty much the only scenario when Congress would approve an all-in draft anyway, I did answer "yes" to this question.

Sorry for a long rant...

[bartonr3 0]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Snide comments aren't helpful Bartonr3 - but on the topic, becoming an American is a convenience for me rather then a necessity. Since I intend to live here the remainder of my life, with my USC husband being a citizen only makes sense so that I can vote and participate fully in daily life. Because I'm not fan of guns or war does not indicate that I will be a poor American and therefore not willing to protect my country of residence. There are plenty of naturally born Americans with the same opinion.

Redneck - i really appreciate your POV on those who voluntarily enter the Armed Forces. Very good point I guess in the back of my mind, I know this scenario will never play out.

I find some of their questions on the form somewhat antiquated...this is one of them I suppose. They should add some details surrounding it I think