I haven’t been to Iraq. Can I join?
Yes. Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) is open to anybody who has served in the military (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists) since September 11th, 2001. Military members who are currently serving can be guaranteed confidentiality.

I signed a contract. I can’t join Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Wrong. Military regulations allow troops to engage in “local non partisan political activities.” Joining IVAW is a non partisan political activity. What you can’t join are organizations that advocate or engage in racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or organizations that advocate or use unlawful violence. See Army Regulation 600‑20.

If I join IVAW, do I have to speak in public or go to demonstrations?
No. You can participate as you wish. IVAW has movie screenings, closed meetings, BBQs, troop outreach events, and members can participate in peer counseling. Demonstrations and public speaking are only part of what we do.

I have friends in Iraq right now and I don’t want to be a blue falcon.
The businessmen, politicians, and generals who sent our friends to Iraq are the blue falcons. IVAW is supporting the troops to come home alive. It’s our government that is sending troops into harm’s way for no good reason.

I'm against the war but no one else in my unit feels the way I do.
IVAW is an organization to meet with people who feel the way you do.

My chain of command says to stay away from IVAW.
Your chain of command should check the regs. They can’t prohibit you from joining a lawful organization on your own time.

Do the right thing.
There’s a difference between doing something right and doing the right thing. The National Guard and Reserve are fulfilling their call of duty and executing the mission. But that doesn’t mean the mission the government ordered us to do is right. Do the right thing and join IVAW to bring our comrades home now.