Poulengy winced when Scott said “civil war.” In all his orders and briefings, he had taken great pains to ensure that his staff did not use that term. Anything and everything, from “reasserting Federal authority” to “suppression of domestic unrest” had been used. Unable to gracefully intervene, he allowed Scott to continue uninterrupted.

“When I go north with the division, I want only those soldiers who are willing and able to do their duties, without mental or moral reservations to go with me,” Scott stated crisply, clearly, emphasizing selected words. “I do not want any man or woman here, or anywhere else in this division, to go if they feel that they will be unable to execute my orders and the orders of their superiors without hesitation and without reservations. To do so would not only be a disservice to your nation and your oath of induction, but would also place your friends, your fellow soldiers here in this battalion and in your company, in jeopardy. Hesitation, for whatever reason, is death in battle. I am therefore asking all of you who have serious doubts about your ability to do your duty to step out of ranks and voluntarily remain behind.”

For the first time muted voices and whispers could be heard in the ranks. Scott, unsure of what was about to happen, glanced at Poulengy, who was no longer able to mask his own growing concern. Unsure what, exactly, to say or do, Poulengy averted his gaze. Looking back at the battalion, Scott figured that since he had gone this far, he had nothing more to lose. “At ease,” he stated calmly in an effort to hush the mumbling.

When silence returned, Scott continued. “If you elect to remain behind because of moral and ethical convictions I promise you that you will not suffer any adverse administrative actions for doing so.” Looking down at the battalion commander, Scott fixed his gaze on the worried colonel. “I am ordering you, colonel, not to interfere with the decision of those who cannot, in good conscience, go north with the division. Do you understand?”

The colonel, all but glowing beet red, popped to attention and thundered, “Yes, sir.”

“This applies to your officers, and senior enlisted as well. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“If I hear, by whatever source or means,” Scott continued, almost barking his orders by now, “that you or any of your officers or NCOs stood between a soldier under your command and his conscience, I will take appropriate actions against you under the uniform code of military justice. Do you understand?”

Shaking, the battalion commander shouted a last, raspy, “Yes, sir.”

Scott looked about over the sea of faces again, drew in a deep breath, and ordered, “Carry on.”

As the battalion came to attention and saluted, Scott and Poulengy filed out of the gym. They left behind them a somber collection of soldiers, young men and women about to make the most difficult decision of their lives.