The National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY)

November 11, 2023 / David Hollar -  John Hoff was a reporter for the Minneapolis Daily Newspaper. He joined the army in September 1989 which was several months before anyone would know how the First Gulf War would turn out. There were estimates of massive American casualties in the first few days of the anticipated ground war, worries that Saddam would use nerve gas.

Soldiers are put at risk of dying in combat, but did not really volunteer for the job they are doing.

December 11, 2006 / John Hoff / Minneapolis Daily Newspaper - Along a short stretch of Washington Avenue Southeast, you can join the army, the navy, and the Minnesota Army National Guard. It is amazing to walk into a recruiter's office with thoughts of joining the military. It is like bravely stepping through a portal in time and space, not knowing where you might end up. The recruiters are near campus because we are their logical market, just as we are a target demographic for goods and services like affordably priced Chinese meals and free pregnancy tests.

I am regular, full-time army to my bones. Still, I will not speak ill of other military branches, or part-time "weekend warriors" who, quite often these days, are called up to become full-time soldiers. But, for me, there was never any real choice except being regular army like my father. Cut me open with a bayonet, in just the right spot over my gall bladder, and I will bleed green. During a time of war, serving in the military can lay a foundation for a life in politics, public service or even be the beginning of bohemian world adventures. If I would criticize the army, it would be out of love.

Though the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth cannot speak for the network in its entirety, some of the organizations that are listed in our National Directory of Youth Demilitarization Groups have called for a ceasefire in the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

If your group would also like to be added to this list, and you are currently listed in the directory, or in the past have been listed,  please send your statement to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and your group will be added below:

American Friends Service Committee: https://afsc.org/action/call-cease-fire-and-humanitarian-access-gaza-now?ms=WEB24LP001PI

Call for a cease-fire and humanitarian access for Gaza now!

Gaza has been under attack since Oct. 7. Since then, more than 18,787 Palestinians have been killed, over 40% of them children. Another 10,000 are estimated to be buried under the rubble. Over 1.9 million people have been displaced from their homes, and over 60% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Read More

CODEPINK San Pedro: https://www.codepink.org/sanpedro1216

Rep. Barragan: Ceasefire NOW! San Pedro, CA

Join CODEPINK San Pedro 11:30am-12:30pm to rally at Rep. Barragan's end of year legislative briefing to demand she sign on to the Ceasefire in Gaza! There should be NO Business As Usual! Congress MUST act on the will of the American People, whose majority supports an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Read More