Two Types of COs

Military law, like the draft law, recognizes two types of conscientious objectors. The first, classified 1-A-O, is a person who won't take part in war, but is willing to serve in the military if he or she doesn't have to use weapons. The second, classified 1-O, is a person who can't accept any military service. 1-O COs are discharged.

Deciding whether you're 1-O or 1-A-O can be difficult. You'll find more on this issue in Discharge or Transfer?. But here are some brief rules of thumb:

• 1-A-O COs can be deployed to a combat zone or ordered onto combat ships. The regulations say only that you can't be required to personally use weapons.
• Consider that every member of the military ultimately supports the military's mission of fighting wars.

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