Selective Objection

For many people considering conscientious objection, the hardest question is whether there are some wars in which they would be willing to fight. Many people are in fact "selective objectors." That is, they would be willing to fight in some wars but would be conscientiously unwilling to participate in others. Even the toughest old general or admiral would admit under pressure that there are some wars their consciences would not permit them to fight--for example, if a President became senile and ordered an invasion of Canada. The key difference between a CO who qualifies for discharge or transfer and most ordinary people is that a CO won't take part in war no matter what its nature. A "selective objector" does not qualify.

Selective and Non-Selective

Just and Unjust Wars

Vietnam and the Gulf War

Working Through Your Beliefs

Should You Apply for CO Status?

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