Conscientious Objectors

Legal Definition of a Conscientious Objector

The legal definition of a conscientious objector is: a person who objects to participation in all forms of war and whose belief is based on a religious, moral or ethical belief system. To be a conscientious objector, you don't have to be a pacifist or believe in God; nor do you have to oppose the use of violence in personal self-defense. However, under current legal definitions you must oppose participating in all wars.Advocates are still fighting for legal recognition of selective objection, your right to refuse to fight in specific wars.

Documenting Your Belief System

There is not a draft at this time, but if you want to document your belief system in case there are legislative changes that would put you at risk, you can do the following:

1. Write a letter documenting your belief system.
2. Have your letter reviewed by a draft counselor and revise, if necessary.
3. Obtain letters of support from your family and friends.
4. Prepare five to seven additional items substantiating your beliefs (see below).
5. Make three (3) copies of your documentation letter, support letters and other items.
6. Mail two (2) copies of the documentation letter to people who you trust (or to yourself).
7. Keep the unopened letters and copies of the other materials in two separate safe places.
8. Bring one complete (1) copy to the Peace and Justice Center for inclusion in your file.

Your file should contain your unopened documentation letter, support letters and five to seven additional items that substantiate your belief system. Poems, song lyrics, reactions to movies - anything that helps to substantiate your belief system can be used as documentation.

Find Conscientious Objector Resources at Peace-Out.com
You can get out of the military as a conscientious objector, even if you enlisted.

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