Training and Duties

Noncombatant duty for conscientious objectors in the armed forces was defined by the President in Executive Order No. 10028, dated January 13, 1948, as follows:

• service in any unit of the armed forces which is unarmed at all times;
• service in the medical department of any of the armed forces, wherever performed; or
• any other assignment the primary function of which does not require the use of arms in combat; provided that such other assignment is acceptable to the individual concerned and does not require him to bear arms or be trained in their use.

The term "noncombatant training" means any training which is not concerned with the study, use, or handling of arms or weapons. DoD 1300.6 states: "Service aboard an armed ship or in a combat zone shall not be considered to be combatant duty unless the individual concerned is personally and directly involved in the operation of weapons."

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