Effective Letters

Supporting letters are important to document the applicant's general sincerity and integrity and to corroborate the specific events and dates that are cited in the applicant's claim. It is very helpful you have talked with the applicant about their CO beliefs or read their application. If you do not know the CO's beliefs firsthand, you can still write about the applicant's sincerity and general good character.

A personal letter, using your own words, is more convincing than one which uses legal phrases. Details about particular conversations or events, particularly if they corroborate the written application, provide compelling evidence of the applicant's sincerity. Specific incidents and exact words are most convincing. Try to express why you believe her or him. If you have had a part in the applicant's upbringing, or have discussed their beliefs with them, mention this.

The form of the letter is up to you, but typed letters, especially on letterhead stationary, of one to three pages, are most likely to be read. Address the letter to "The Commanding Officer of [the name of the applicant, including their service number if possible]." The letter, while addressed to the commanding officer, must be delivered to the applicant to be included in their application. The applicant may ask you to revise your letter to support key evidence in their application. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself.

You may not agree with the applicant's beliefs but still believe they are sincere. Often a letter from someone who disagrees with the applicant's position but believes in the applicant's sincerity, is given high consideration. If you agree with the applicant's beliefs, avoid arguing against the military in your letter. It is the applicant's sincerity that needs to be supported -- a buttressing of their arguments is not necessary.

It is perfectly legitimate for members of the military to write a supporting letter -- many high-ranking military men and women do so every year. After all, you are writing about a friend, relative, or associate, not about yourself. If you have ever served in the military, please state that in your letter.

Begin the letter by stating who you are and your relationship to the applicant, including how long you have known them. Discuss as many of the following three topics below as you feel capable of addressing:

• The applicant's sincerity.
• Your knowledge of the experiences, and discussions, that played a role in the development of the beliefs that are the basis of the applicant's request for conscientious objector status.
• The point at which the applicant's beliefs "crystallized" into a firm objection to participation in war.

The applicant may request that letter writers near their duty station appear as witnesses at a hearing with their investigating officer. Appearing at the hearing reinforces your belief in the sincerity of the applicant.

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