A Christian cannot go into the army in any capacity. The early Adventist pioneers stayed out of the army, where soldiers are taught to hate their enemies instead of to love them. God wants His children to preserve human life–not to destroy it. Even being a medic in the army goes against God’s will. It is true that medics sometimes save lives and ease suffering, but the primary object of the medic is to help the war effort. The United States Army Field Manual gives a precise description of the role and duties of the medical corps.
“The Army Medical Service is a supporting service of the combat elements of the Army primarily concerned with the maintenance of health and fighting efficiency of the troops…. The farther forward that emotionally disturbed patients are treated, the greater are the chances of returning them successfully to combat duty.”
“The mission of the medical service in a theatre of operations is to conserve manpower by recommending, and providing technical supervision of the implementation of measures for safeguarding the health of the troops, effective medical care, and early return to duty; and to contribute directly to the military effort by providing medical treatment and rapid, orderly evacuation for the sick and wounded.”65
So, you see, according to the Army Field Manual, a medic contributes directly to the military effort. Since we are no longer under a theocracy, the Lord does not want us to participate in acts of war. Remember what Sister White wrote: “In the army they cannot obey the truth and at the same time obey the requirements of their officers. . .”
In view of these obvious facts, what strong recommendation does the Seventh-day Adventist Church urge upon its members during time of war?
The answer is found in an Adventist publication that describes the duties of noncombatants in time of war.
“They will help to feed and clothe the Army; assist in caring for the sick and wounded; help to bury the dead; aid in the transportation of men, food, clothing, etc. They will build the camps; go into the fields, mines, and factories, at the direction of the government. They will help to fortify positions and otherwise protect human life.”66
The noncombatant’s role is to contribute directly to the war and to help win battles for his country.|
Even though the Adventist Church in the United States is registered with the government as noncombatants, the members have the freedom to serve in the military in any capacity they choose. “While the foregoing is the position of the Seventh-day Adventists as a denomination in the United States, the church does not attempt to dictate to its members individually, but each person must stand upon his own conscientious convictions.”67 Ellen White makes it clear that a liberty which gives people freedom to transgress God’s commandments simply does not exist and warns against such false liberty.