Applying for CO Status

The steps for applying for noncombatant status or discharge as a CO are fairly simple. They are discussed in detail in Part II. Here they are in brief.

• Decide what you must do. Read this book and think about both the legal and moral aspects of conscientious objection. See a counselor.
• Get a copy of your Service's regulation. See Processing Your CO Claim for discharge regulation numbers and information on how to get copies of regulations.
• Write rough answers to the questions on religious training and belief and the other questions discussed in Preparing Your CO Claim.
• Start to gather supporting letters. See Preparing Your CO Claim.
• Share your written material with your counselor.
• Submit your complete application when you and your counselor are satisfied that it clearly expresses your beliefs and position. As soon as you do, the military should "make every effort" to place you on duties which conflict as little as possible with your stated beliefs. This usually means you'll be assigned to work which doesn't involve the use of weapons. If you're not, see Processing Your CO Claim for ideas on what to do. Processing Your CO Claim also discusses to whom you should submit your application.
• Be interviewed by a chaplain, a psychiatrist, and an investigating officer. Your attorney or counselor is allowed at the investigating officer's interview, and you may take witnesses to support your sincerity. If you need a lawyer, CCCO or your counselor may be able to refer you to one. See Questions Asked COs for samples of the questions you may have to answer.
• Wait. While waiting you should be kept on duty providing minimum conflict with your beliefs. The wait may take two weeks to three months or longer.
• If your application is turned down, you still have some alternatives. See Resisting the Military.

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