Are You a Conscientious Objector? Can You Prove It?
Under the draft law, a Conscientious Objector (CO) is someone who has a “religious,
moral, or ethical opposition to war in all forms.” This is a classification
used to describe potential draftees who are released from military service
because of these beliefs.
When you apply as a CO, you're simply requesting a “1-O” classification by
the selective service administration. This application is reviewed by an
independent panel -- the local draft board. Should your initial request be
denied, there are procedures to appeal their decision. The draft board is
not a court, and the hearing is not a trial.
You need to provide the draft board concrete evidence of your CO status;
this means you should assemble a collection of documents (your CO file) that
illustrates your position. There are many kinds of material you might choose
to include in your CO file, including:
• A personal written statement describing your feelings
on war;
• Photographs of yourself in anti-war marches or other
activism;
• Letters or essays you've written (e.g., to your local
newspaper);
• Recorded statements you've made on the subject (e.g.,
recorded in the minutes of a Quaker meeting);
• Letters from friends, family, clergy, teachers, etc.
describing their knowledge of your CO status
It's important that this file demonstrates your beliefs and that you are
strongly opposed to “war in all forms” (not only one situation).
CO counsellors can help you assemble your CO file; there are many more ideas
about this on the web at
http://www.create.ucsb.edu/COS
and in the materials available from Conscientious Objectors and their Supporters
(COS) and related groups.