Application for Conscientious Objection Discharge Writing Tool
by the Center on Conscience & War

1COs
2Intro
3Info
4Beliefs
5How
6When
7War
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10Letters
  • Are you a Conscientious Objector in the Military Seeking Discharge?

    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.

    Above is the current military policy (DoD Instruction 1300.06, dated July 12, 2017) that legally defines Conscientious Objection. This definition has been further clarified by both military policy and our legal system, which we'll explain along the way.

    There are six essay questions about your beliefs that you're required to answer. Your answers don’t have to be a perfect essay, especially this first draft. CCW counselors will work with you to improve it. It is essential that your statement about your conscientious objection to war be in your own words. Legally, these are the issues the military is supposed to look at when reviewing your application:

    • Do your beliefs fit within the legal definition of conscientious objection -- that you object to participation in war based on your religious, moral or ethical beliefs?
    • Are you sincere in those beliefs? Do you really believe this?
    • Did your beliefs "crystallize" after you joined?

    The definition in-depth

    About the process

    If that sounds like it might be you, let's move forward. Click the "Next" button below.