About This Book
This book is divided into four parts. Part I talks about conscientious objection and war resistance in general. It also gives you an outline of steps you should take to protect your rights.
Part II explains what conscientious objection means under the law, how to apply for discharge or transfer, what happens while you're waiting for the military's decision, and what happens after the military decides what to do with your claim--whether the claim is accepted or rejected.
In Part III, you'll find discussions of some of the moral issues which you face as you think about conscientious objection. These chapters are only the opinions of the author, and aren't intended to tell you what to think. But if you read them, you may find you have a better idea what the important issues are. And these chapters will challenge you to think, no matter where you come out.
Part IV discusses other discharges that you might consider applying for and gives the pros and cons of seeking another discharge. It also discusses what could happen if your conscience tells you that you must refuse orders or go AWOL or UA.
At the end of the book, you'll find a list of questions which military authorities and local draft boards have actually asked CO applicants. You can use these to help you prepare for your required interviews. Some of them may seem pretty strange or stupid, but nobody made them up. The government has actually asked COs these questions.
No book is a substitute for good counseling. But if you read this book through, you'll have a better idea what's involved in conscientious objection. And you may find that you have a better idea what you want to do. You need to think about what you believe. And when you've done that, you need to think about whether you fit within the law--whether it would be worthwhile for you to apply for CO status. You'll probably find that, like most people, you can't separate the two questions. That's all right. What's important is that you decide what you must do. And that you stand by it.
If this book helps you to do that, it will serve its purpose.
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