Processing Your CO Claim

Once you've completed your answers to the required questions, you'll be ready to make your formal application for CO status. Unless you have reason to think there might be a mobilization, it's best to wait until you've got your answers ready because when you begin to write them, you'll probably have no idea how long it will take you to complete them. And once you've notified the military that you intend to apply for CO status, you may have to meet a very strict deadline. (For more on problems during a mobilization, see If There Is a War....)

You have a legal right to apply for CO status. The application must be handled according to the regulations. No one can turn down your request except officials in your Service's headquarters.

As soon as you submit your request, your command must "make every effort" to assign you to duties which "conflict as little as possible" with your beliefs (DoD Directive 1300.6, VI, 1). And in many cases you may be kept in your unit until a final decision is made.

When To Apply

Harassment

Initial Request

What Form to Use

To Whom One Applies

Assignment

Applying for Noncombatant Status

Processing

Interviews

The Investigating Officer (IO)

The Final Record

Approval Authority

Special Problems of Reservists

If You're in ROTC

A Final Word

Go to next page