Since 2001 when Congress passed S.J. Res. 23 a “Joint Resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States” often called the “Authorization for Use of Military Force” or AUMF, the US Military – including members of the New Hampshire National Guard – have been sent to several countries across the Middle East and North Africa to fight the Global War on Terrorism. President Donald Trump has recently stated his intentions to deploy more troops to Iraq, and there are growing concerns about a war with Iran.

In accordance with RSA 110-B the governor is the commander-in-chief of “the militia” which includes “the national guard, the state guard, and the unorganized militia.” Additionally 10 U.S.C. § 12301 (b)-(d) state in part “units and members of the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States may not be ordered to active duty under this subsection without the consent of the governor of the State.”

The US Supreme Court ruled in Perpich v. Department of Defense, 496 U.S. 334 (1990) that “Governors may withhold their consent on” grounds other than location, purpose, type, or schedule.

As a Conscientious Objector I have a firm, fixed, and sincere objection to participation in war in any form; and thus believe that as Governor I would be within my powers in accordance with Perpich and Part 1 Article 4 of the NH Constitution, to withhold consent for deployment of any National Guard troops from the State of New Hampshire.