Can a person who is already in the military become a conscientious objector?
Yes. People in the military have successfully applied for CO status and have received honorable discharges.
In order for an application to be accepted, the following conditions have to be met:
- A person’s “crystallization of conscience” (ie – the moment s/he realized that s/he could no longer participate in war) occurred after s/he signed the enlistment agreement.
- S/he is opposed to participating in war in any form
- His/her beliefs are sincerely held.
- One does not have to be a pacifist to be a conscientious objector. A soldier can still believe in personal armed self-defense, yet come to the conclusion that s/he can no longer participate in war in any form.
- Again, successful CO applicants will receive an honorable discharge from the military.
If you think this description fits you, read through the following materials:
- Catholics and Conscientious Objection: COs in the Military
(includes a step-by-step explanation of the application process)
from The Sign of Peace, Vol. I.3 - Advice for COs in the Armed Forces
by Robert A. Seeley
Central Committee for Conscientious Objection - Official Military Regulations for COs
(Needs Adobe Acrobat for PDF files)
Please contact us for support. We are ready to assist anybody, soldier or civilian, who might be considering conscientious objection.