Conscientious Objection and the Law

In 1962, the Defense Department made it a policy to allow conscientious objectors to be discharged or transferred to noncombatant duties. Department of Defense Directive 1300.6, Conscientious Objectors [August 20, 1971], is based on conscientious objector provisions in the Military Selective Service Act (draft law) and Supreme Court decisions on conscientious objection. Each Service (including the Coast Guard) has regulations based on this directive:

• Army: AR 600-43, Personnel-General; Conscientious Objection [September 1, 1983];
• Navy: MILPERSMAN (NAVPERS 15560 C) §3620250., Naval Military Personnel Manual [Through Change 15, February 28, 1997];
• Marines: MCO 1306.16 E, Conscientious Objectors [November 21, 1986];
• Air Force: AFI 36-3204, Procedures for Applying as a Conscientious Objector [July 20, 1994]; and
• Coast Guard: COMDTINST 1900.8, Conscientious Objectors and the Requirement to Bear Arms [November 30, 1990].

For more information on getting copies of regulations, visit www.objector.org/helpingout/discharge-regulations.html or call CCCO.

DoD 1300.6 defines a conscientious objector as a person who has "a firm, fixed and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training and belief." People who object to war "solely upon considerations of policy, pragmatism, expediency, or political views" do not qualify for discharge or transfer under DoD 1300.6.

But What Does It Mean?

Objecting to War

Religious Training and Belief

Religious Training

War in Any Form

Political Objection

Sincerity

"No Rest or Peace"

Two Types of COs

Discharge as a CO

Your Decision

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