Resisting the Military

Applying for a CO discharge doesn't excuse you from performing military duty, wearing a uniform, or following legal orders. Until you're discharged, you're subject to military rules. Once you submit your CO application, however, the military must, if it can, assign you to duty involving "minimum" conflict with your beliefs. For details, see Processing Your CO Claim. Your new assignment won't mean you can't be sent out on a combat ship or to a war zone. This can make waiting for a decision on your claim very difficult. During your CO processing, you may decide that you can no longer cooperate with the military. Noncooperation, sometimes called resistance, takes many forms. Some people refuse to work, obey orders, or wear their uniforms. Others simply go AWOL or UA. People resist for many reasons. Some want to cooperate with the CO process but find that they can't compromise as much as they had thought. Others become so frustrated with delays in processing that they feel they must resist. Some cooperate through the entire process but are turned down and then find they can't go along. Some even refuse to apply for CO discharge.

One form of resistance which all COs can do is to speak out against the military. This can mean anything from talking with co-workers about your beliefs to engaging in anti-war demonstrations. Each of these actions is a valid expression of conscientious objection. But each also has risks which you should be aware of. If you're thinking about resistance, talk with your civilian counselor first. You may find that you can avoid some problems by planning ahead.

Problems in Your Processing

The Risks of Non-Cooperation

The Benefits of Resistance

"Free" Speech in the Military

Federal Court

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