Soldiers of Conscience

Soldiers of Conscience, a captivating documentary that displays the delicate equilibrium of war and individual morals, was released in 2007. Directed by Catherine Ryan and Gary Weimberg, this acclaimed documentary focuses on the moral predicaments faced by soldiers during war. No tale of those who go to war can be complete without addressing the internal combat—a struggle within oneself over what constitutes righteousness, and where one crosses the line into shameful territory.

Soldiers of Conscience presents to its audience the complex perspectives of eight soldiers, four of whom, including Kevin Benderman and Joshua Casteel, made the challenging decision to lay down their arms. Struggling with the moral quandaries that war presents, they grapple with their obligations to their country, their peers, and their personal ethics.

Kevin Benderman, one of the main subjects, is a heavy machinery operator who undertakes a psychological and spiritual transformation after his deployment. His dramatic transition is eventually what leads him to become a conscientious objector. Benderman's prominence in the film conveys a profound tale of a man's exploration of his morality, even in conditions as harsh as war.

Joshua Casteel, another soldier turned conscientious objector, happens to be an interrogator at Iraq's notorious prison, Abu Ghraib. Casteel's professional role requires him to extract information from prisoners, placed in the midst of ethical dilemmas. He is expected to get the 'job done,' irrespective of his personal beliefs. His journey from a soldier prepared to kill to a non-combatant is one of the compelling narratives etched out in the documentary.

The voice of Peter Coyote, a highly regarded narrator, accompanies viewers throughout the course of the film, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance to the powerful narratives. The stark contrast between the military's perspective and the pacifists' viewpoint is effectively highlighted by Coyote’s narration.

The film provides a balanced representation of opposing perspectives. Also included are accounts of soldiers who, while acknowledging the harsh realities of combat, endorse what they perceive as their duty to protect their country irrespective of any personal moral qualms they may hold. One of the soldiers in this group says, “I think killing is wrong, but for my family and my country, I’d kill.” These opposing perspectives allow for insightful exploration of morality in war scenarios.

The filmmakers employ a combination of personal narratives, military training footage, and academic insight to immerse viewers in the complexities of their subjects' lives. There are references to various studies, such as military research that suggests that only a small fraction of soldiers are inherently able to kill without a moral struggle. The documentary draws on voices from the past as well, featuring historical figures who grappled with similar moral struggles.

Important socio-political subjects such as conscientious objection, the dichotomy of duty versus morality, and the psychological impact of war on soldiers are addressed in Soldiers of Conscience. By presenting the views of those on both sides of the argument, the film successfully encourages viewers to consider their stance on these profound issues.

Soldiers of Conscience doesn’t glorify or demonize war. Instead, it approaches the topic with an open-minded outlook, neither endorsing nor rejecting the idea of warfare and the people who make it their profession. It delivers a profound exploration of the human capacity to kill and, conversely, the ability to refuse to kill — an issue all soldiers must inevitably grapple with, whether they are on the battlefield or back home.

This documentary is not just a film about soldiers; it’s about humans, about conscience, about choices, and about sacrifices. It delves deep into the human psyche, focusing on the struggle to balance the stark realities of life, duty, and personal truths. By weaving together personal accounts with broader ethical and philosophical themes, Soldiers of Conscience strikes at the heart of what defines us as individuals and as a society. It encourages us to question, to understand, and ultimately, to open a dialogue about the human capacity to kill and our individual responsibility to our conscience.