On Being a Conscientious Objector

Posted by Mary Mancini on August 10, 2005 under Uncategorized |

There is no need to wait until there’s a draft or until you’re 18. To go on record now as a conscientious objector (or encourage your sons, brothers, nephews, etc. to do so), follow the advice found at www.objector.org:

1) “If you register with Selective Service, write that you are a CO on the card before sending it in. Photocopy the card (the SS will not keep a copy of the original card) and send it to yourself and leave it sealed.

2) Write a statement of beliefs that explain why, how, when, where, etc. that you became a CO. List anything that could have influenced your beliefs against war and killing, such as religion, films, books, events you attended, etc.

3) Find 3 people who know you very well who can write a letter on your behalf supporting your beliefs as a CO.

4) Write a letter to Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO) explaining that you are a CO, keep a copy for yourself, with the receipt of it being mailed. We don’t archive these letters but we will send you a letter confirming we have received your letter. Keep that letter from us as part of your CO file. You can send your CO file to the Center on Conscience & War to be archived.

5) Compile all of these documents and get them notarized.

6) Put them in a safe place and if you get drafted you can present this claim to your local draft board and your chances of getting a CO exemption will be much stronger.

You need to build a paper trail and document everything possible that could help define you as a person who could not go to war. If you go to any anti-war events, document them somehow as proof that you went, keep the flyers, have your photo taken at the event, etc. They basically want to see that you are genuinely opposed to war, and not just somebody who doesn’t want to fight. You must be opposed to all wars, this doesn’t mean you can’t use violence in personal self defense.”

For more info on what is a conscientious objector, go here.

ADDITION: You can be a CO with conditions, as in “I object to certain wars or military actions but not all.” The “Just War” tradition, which can be based on religious doctrine or international law, can be one exception and it can be specificed as such when declaring your CO status. However, keep in mind that governments lie and manipulate and what they tell us is a “just war” isn’t always a “just war.” Gotta keep on your toes!