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Conscientious objection
The following steps are suggested for soldiers applying
for a conscientious objector discharge:
- If possible, do not declare yourself an objector until your
application is completed or near completion. The
chain-of-command might impose a deadline for submission
so you’ll want to be ready.
- Study “Advice for Conscientious Objection in the
Armed Forces”. Order it or find it on our website
(www.girights.org).
The questions that must be answered are within DoD
Directive 1300.6. That regulation is also available
on our website (www.girights.org).
- Additional web sources of research: www.objector.org,
www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org,
www.aeinstein.org,
awol.objector.org.
- Make a first draft of your answers to the required questions and
e-mail (girights@objector.org),
fax (510-465-2459), or mail
(CCCO, 405 14th St., #205, Oakland CA 94612)
a copy to our office.
- There are no wrong answers. The success of your application hinges heavily upon your sincerity.
- Although anyone from our office may assist you with your process it helps if you establish a working relationship with one counselor.
- Keep a journal of all actions, contacts and conversations. Who, when and what was said and done (or, not done). Keep safe copies of all documents submitted and received.
- Be aware and intuitive. Pay attention to gut feelings and reactions. Note them in your journal (they could be used if an appeal is needed).
- Be open and consider alternative strategies for discharge if they apply to you or if offered.
- Keep in touch and let us know how the process went for you once you’re discharged.
FORMAT: Type your application and double-space your answers. Give at least one page
worth of answer for each question. Type out the question and follow with your answer.
The main questions are as follows:
- A description of the nature of the belief which requires the applicant to
seek separation from the military service or assignment to non-combatant training and
duty for reasons of conscience.
What exactly do you believe? Use your own words and speak from the heart.
What is your code of behavior? How do you make ethical and moral decisions from day-to-day?
What is it about your beliefs that prevent you from participating in ALL wars?
You can discuss politics; however, your reasons cannot be politically motivated.
Your reasons DO NOT have to be religious.
- An explanation as to how his beliefs changed or developed, to include
an explanation as to what factors (how, when and from who or from what source training
received and belief acquired) caused the change in or development of conscientious objection beliefs.
How did you learn your code of behavior? What sources (people, books, movies, religious meetings)
formed your belief system? Describe how your up bringing contributed to how you feel now.
Have your beliefs changed since you joined the military?
- An explanation as to when these beliefs became incompatible with military service,
and why.
Describe the moment you became aware that you did not want to participate in war.
It could be a flash inspiration or a gradual awakening of your conscience; it could be the
birth of your newborn. What conflicting feelings, if any, did you have about serving and
realizing after you became a soldier that you did not belong in the military? What effect,
if any, did the 9/11 incident have on your feelings about war and your participation in it?
- An explanation as to the circumstances, if any, under which the applicant
believes in the use of force, and to what extent, under any foreseeable circumstances.
How do you feel about the use of force? You do not have to be a pacifist.
You can be a NRA member or cop and still qualify as an objector. How do you feel about
using weapons in the military or contributing to the use of weapons of mass destruction?
How did you feel while you were learning how to shoot and handle weapons?
- An explanation as to how the applicant’s daily life style has changed as a result
of his beliefs and what future actions he plans to continue to support his beliefs.
Do you see life (death, war) differently since your change of awareness and belief?
Do you act differently in any way because of your beliefs? What will you do differently once
you get out?
- An explanation as to what in applicant’s opinion most conspicuously
demonstrates the consistency and depth of his beliefs which gave rise to his claim.
This is almost a copy of the previous question. What are you doing and how are you
living now that shows you are sincere about your beliefs? Have you made any major
sacrifices making this application? Here’s an opportunity to repeat the major points
of your belief system. Sum up your feelings about your participation in war.
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