References

Part D of the questions asks you to present letters from people who can say you're sincere. The military may not contact any of these people, though the Investigating Officer is allowed to do so. Be sure to tell your references that there's a possibility that the Investigating Officer will contact them about your claim.

Try to get at least four letters. Less is all right, and so is a few more. But a few good letters are better than a lot of poor letters. If you are far away from home, it's hard to get supporting letters. But you can write to ex-teachers, employers, neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents, clergy and others who could write letters about your general character. A letter from someone who knows your beliefs is most helpful. Letters from military superiors and from others who are not COs seem to be given more weight. The best letters are those which say they disagree with your beliefs but believe you are sincere. Any letter writer who served in the military should say so in the letter. (Share Supporting Letters for Conscientious Objectors with letter writers.)

The length of the letters is not important. But longer ones with more information about you are usually helpful.

Letters should be addressed to "The Commanding Officer of (your name)" rather than "To Whom It May Concern" or to you. They should be sent to you so you can submit all of them with your application at your Investigating Officer hearing. Typed letters are more likely to be read, but neatly handwritten letters are fine as well.

The writer should explain who he or she is, and how he or she knows you. Then he or she should discuss:

• your sincerity;
• the recent change in your beliefs and how they have matured;
• the religious, moral, or ethical basis of your beliefs;

If the writer has not had a chance to discuss your beliefs with you, the letter can discuss your general character and sincerity.

When asking for supporting letters:

• Ask each person to write about the points above. The more detailed and personal a letter is, the more helpful it will be.
• Send each reference a short summary of your beliefs.
• Ask your references to send their letters to you. If they're unwilling to give the letters directly to you, they may agree to give them to your counselor. Read them over before submitting them. And have your counselor read them, too. If you and your counselor think a letter doesn't support you or has wrong information, don't submit it; it is your claim that is at stake. Try to have at least three copies--carbon or photocopies--of each letter. Keep copies in a safe place.
• Try to get letters corroborating important anecdotes or incidents you mention in your claim, even if the people who know about the incident don't know anything about your CO beliefs. Investigating Officers and CO Review Boards often find such "independent verification" more convincing than a number of letters attesting to your sincerity. For example, if your claim mentions that you did community service while in high school, try to get a confirming letter from the person who supervised you.

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