Conscientious Objection Information Sheet
Whatcom Peace and Justice Center
Updated 11/26/2024
This info-sheet is for the purpose of establish a Conscientious Objection (CO) claim for military
purposes. It is advised to prepare a CO File in advance of a draft. In the case of a draft or it you are
already serving in the military; you will need additional support and/or legal counsel to supplement
this information. Contact trained CO Coaches through WPJC/VFP-111 and access the information
available through the GI Rights Hotline (girightshotline.org).
What is a Conscientious Objector?
A conscientious objector is any person with religious, ethical, or moral beliefs that lead you to oppose
participation in war. For military purposes, the precise definition of a conscientious objection is “a firm, fixed,
and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training
and/or belief.” (DOD 1300.6)
The military recognizes two types of conscientious objection. An individual must apply as a CO who is
opposed to any and all forms of military service, or a CO whose beliefs allow them to serve in the military in a
noncombatant/unarmed capacity.
If you are granted CO status that exempts you from military service, you may be assigned to perform
alternative service as a civilian for the duration of an enlistment term (usually 2 years). If you are granted non-
combatant status, you may be assigned to a non-combatant role but still be in a combat zone and protected by
individuals in combat roles.
What if there is a draft?
Much of the guidance for a draft is based on outdated practices and information gathering. The registration
process and the inclusion of all genders is currently under transition. As of this document update, most males
ages 18-25 are required to maintain an updated registration with the Selective Service. Because of pending
changes, we recommend that youth of all genders age 15 – 25 prepare and maintain a CO File. We cannot be
certain what to expect in the next draft. It is likely that some things will remain the same, especially the
requirement to report for duty within 14 days of receiving draft notification. This two weeks is intended for an
individual to clear obligations as a civilian (rent, storage of all possessions, work, school, childcare, pet-care,
vehicle payments, etc.) and to be assessed for suitability for service. If you intend to declare that you are a
conscientious objector, you will be required to present evidence before a draft board in that two-week time
frame. This is why it is essential to have a CO File in advance of a draft being implemented.
What about resisting registration for a draft?
The consequences for non-compliance with Selective Service registration can be severe. The penalty includes
a felony conviction, a 5-year prison sentence, and a $250,000 fine. Seek legal advice before taking this route.
What is in a CO File?
A CO File contains the information that you need to claim conscientious objector status with the military. The
information in the file will be requested by the draft board while evaluating your suitability for service. In
addition to the contents of the file, you can expect to complete a form from the Department of Defense and be
subject to an interview regarding your beliefs.
The CO File contains three main components. The first is your declaration of conscientious objection. It is
important to mimic the government definition when making your declaration so that an essential element is not
omitted. The second is the testimony about how your beliefs crystalized. This is much more complicated than
the declaration and should include biographical information. (The Center of Conscience and War offers specific
guidance on how to develop your testimony.) The third component to a CO File consists of letters from
community members who will attest to the sincerity of your conviction. You will need letters from three people
who are willing to testify to the content of their letters. Recommended community members include religious
leaders, teachers, coaches, or others respected members of the community.
You should also supplement your CO File with evidence of your advocacy and activism against war. This can
include social media posts, pictures, essays written by you, etc. In the event that you present information
before a draft board, CO Coaches and online resources can guide you regarding which supplemental items
should be included.
What else should you know?
Keep your CO File safe. Maintain a copy of everything in your file that can be stored in a secondary location to
avoid loss in a fire, flood, or burglary. Electronic copies also work for storing your information but be certain that
you can access the information when you need it. In the past, having your file notarized or saved in an
unopened postmarked file has been advised. The usefulness of this step is debatable, but it can only be
helpful and not harmful.
Maintain habits that support your conscientious objection. Participate in conversations, workshops, and events
that can be used as evidence to support your claim of conscientious objection. These events can be used to
create a paper trail and document your sincerity. If you participate in an activity but do not have a means for
documentation, request a letter from the coordinator or contact WPJC/VFP-111 for assistance in recording your
involvement.
Who can help you?
CO Coaches with Whatcom Peace and Justice Center and Veterans for Peace- Chapter 111 can provide
support for creating your CO File and for practicing a draft board interview. Contact WPJC at
[email protected] or 360-734-0217.
Additional support and information can be found through the GI Rights Hotline (girightshotline.org) and the
Center on Conscience and War (centeronconscience.org). For up-to-date Selective Service information go to
www.sss.gov.
Whatcom Peace and Justice Center
Updated 11/26/2024
This info-sheet is for the purpose of establish a Conscientious Objection (CO) claim for military
purposes. It is advised to prepare a CO File in advance of a draft. In the case of a draft or it you are
already serving in the military; you will need additional support and/or legal counsel to supplement
this information. Contact trained CO Coaches through WPJC/VFP-111 and access the information
available through the GI Rights Hotline (girightshotline.org).
What is a Conscientious Objector?
A conscientious objector is any person with religious, ethical, or moral beliefs that lead you to oppose
participation in war. For military purposes, the precise definition of a conscientious objection is “a firm, fixed,
and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training
and/or belief.” (DOD 1300.6)
The military recognizes two types of conscientious objection. An individual must apply as a CO who is
opposed to any and all forms of military service, or a CO whose beliefs allow them to serve in the military in a
noncombatant/unarmed capacity.
If you are granted CO status that exempts you from military service, you may be assigned to perform
alternative service as a civilian for the duration of an enlistment term (usually 2 years). If you are granted non-
combatant status, you may be assigned to a non-combatant role but still be in a combat zone and protected by
individuals in combat roles.
What if there is a draft?
Much of the guidance for a draft is based on outdated practices and information gathering. The registration
process and the inclusion of all genders is currently under transition. As of this document update, most males
ages 18-25 are required to maintain an updated registration with the Selective Service. Because of pending
changes, we recommend that youth of all genders age 15 – 25 prepare and maintain a CO File. We cannot be
certain what to expect in the next draft. It is likely that some things will remain the same, especially the
requirement to report for duty within 14 days of receiving draft notification. This two weeks is intended for an
individual to clear obligations as a civilian (rent, storage of all possessions, work, school, childcare, pet-care,
vehicle payments, etc.) and to be assessed for suitability for service. If you intend to declare that you are a
conscientious objector, you will be required to present evidence before a draft board in that two-week time
frame. This is why it is essential to have a CO File in advance of a draft being implemented.
What about resisting registration for a draft?
The consequences for non-compliance with Selective Service registration can be severe. The penalty includes
a felony conviction, a 5-year prison sentence, and a $250,000 fine. Seek legal advice before taking this route.
What is in a CO File?
A CO File contains the information that you need to claim conscientious objector status with the military. The
information in the file will be requested by the draft board while evaluating your suitability for service. In
addition to the contents of the file, you can expect to complete a form from the Department of Defense and be
subject to an interview regarding your beliefs.
The CO File contains three main components. The first is your declaration of conscientious objection. It is
important to mimic the government definition when making your declaration so that an essential element is not
omitted. The second is the testimony about how your beliefs crystalized. This is much more complicated than
the declaration and should include biographical information. (The Center of Conscience and War offers specific
guidance on how to develop your testimony.) The third component to a CO File consists of letters from
community members who will attest to the sincerity of your conviction. You will need letters from three people
who are willing to testify to the content of their letters. Recommended community members include religious
leaders, teachers, coaches, or others respected members of the community.
You should also supplement your CO File with evidence of your advocacy and activism against war. This can
include social media posts, pictures, essays written by you, etc. In the event that you present information
before a draft board, CO Coaches and online resources can guide you regarding which supplemental items
should be included.
What else should you know?
Keep your CO File safe. Maintain a copy of everything in your file that can be stored in a secondary location to
avoid loss in a fire, flood, or burglary. Electronic copies also work for storing your information but be certain that
you can access the information when you need it. In the past, having your file notarized or saved in an
unopened postmarked file has been advised. The usefulness of this step is debatable, but it can only be
helpful and not harmful.
Maintain habits that support your conscientious objection. Participate in conversations, workshops, and events
that can be used as evidence to support your claim of conscientious objection. These events can be used to
create a paper trail and document your sincerity. If you participate in an activity but do not have a means for
documentation, request a letter from the coordinator or contact WPJC/VFP-111 for assistance in recording your
involvement.
Who can help you?
CO Coaches with Whatcom Peace and Justice Center and Veterans for Peace- Chapter 111 can provide
support for creating your CO File and for practicing a draft board interview. Contact WPJC at
[email protected] or 360-734-0217.
Additional support and information can be found through the GI Rights Hotline (girightshotline.org) and the
Center on Conscience and War (centeronconscience.org). For up-to-date Selective Service information go to
www.sss.gov.
