POV Season 21 Episode 18 Soldiers of Conscience

The POV season 21 episode 18 is titled "Soldiers of Conscience" and it explores the complex issue of morality and war through the experiences of American soldiers. The episode follows the stories of four soldiers who struggle with their conscience while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to Aidan Delgado, a soldier who enlisted in the Army Reserve as a way to pay for his college education. However, when he is deployed to Iraq as a military chaplain's assistant, he begins to question his role in the war. Delgado grapples with the idea of killing innocent people and ultimately decides that he cannot participate in the war any longer.

Next, the documentary focuses on Joshua Casteel, a young man who joined the Army after the September 11th attacks. Casteel becomes an interrogator at Abu Ghraib prison and is tasked with extracting information from detainees. However, when he witnesses the harsh interrogation techniques used by his fellow soldiers, he realizes that he cannot continue to participate in these practices.

The third soldier featured in the episode is Camilo Mejía, a member of the Florida National Guard who is sent to Iraq in 2003. During his deployment, Mejía witnesses the mistreatment of Iraqi civilians and begins to question the legitimacy of the war. When he refuses to return to Iraq for a second deployment, he is court-martialed and ultimately serves nine months in military prison.

Finally, the documentary explores the story of Kevin Benderman, who serves in Iraq with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division. Benderman becomes disillusioned with the military and decides that he cannot continue to participate in the war. When he applies for conscientious objector status, he is met with hostility from his fellow soldiers and superiors.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the personal struggles of these soldiers and the difficult decisions they face. The documentary poses challenging questions about the morality of war and the role of soldiers in carrying out orders that conflict with their conscience.

Overall, "Soldiers of Conscience" is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary that sheds light on the complicated issues surrounding war and morality. Through the personal stories of these soldiers, viewers are encouraged to think deeply about the ethical dilemmas faced by those who serve in the military.