ARE YOU A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR? What to do before the draft is reinstated
· Educate yourself about conscientious objection to war. Generally, conscientious objection (CO) is sincere conviction, motivated by conscience, that forbids someone from participation in war. This definition may include people of all ages and both genders. Military Service Act and government regulations recognize two types of Cos. A Conscientious Objector to all Forms of Military Service is someone who by reason of religious, ethical, or moral belief, are “conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form”. They are exempt from military service and if called up, may perform alternative service as civilians. Non-combatant conscientious objectors are persons who, by reason of religious, ethical or moral belief are conscientiously opposed to killing in war in any form, but who do not object to performing noncombatant duties in the armed services. These people are reassigned to noncombatant duties if called up. · Take a look at your beliefs. Many draft counselors are trained to help people examine their beliefs and values within the context of their religious and/or moral upbringing. Talking to a draft counselor may help you to clarify your beliefs about participation in war. · Create a paper trail. If you do believe you are a CO, you need to start now to create documentation. Don’t wait until the draft is reinstated or until you are called up. Start now to gather letters from others who know you and your beliefs regarding conscientious objection. Both MALES and FEMALES need to do this. There is serious talk that the next draft may need to include women. · If you haven’t registered yet you should know that some men don’t. There are penalties, such as denial of federal student land and grants, but there are also some non-governmental loans and grants available only to those who do not register. If you choose to register, you cannot do so as a CO (declaration comes at the time of call up), but what you can do is write conscientious objector across your application, make a copy of the application, seal it in an envelope and mail it to yourself. Don’t open it. The Selective Service doesn’t keep the paper application you send them and won’t write it on the card, but you will have your own copy for documentation. · If you’re in the military, ROTC or deferred entry and it is not how you were led to believe it would be or you have had a change in beliefs, you can get help from the GI Rights Hotline 800-394-9544. The service is free and the call is confidential. · Are you a Conscientious Objector to paying for war? These are people whose conscience forbids them to pay the military portion of their taxes because of ethical, moral and religious beliefs. Many people choose to live below taxable levels, others refuse to pay the portion of their taxes that supports the military. There is legislation pending that would allow for this money to be put in a Peace Tax Fund. Again educate yourself and take a look at your beliefs. · Inform others and help support difficult decisions. For More Information Contact: Center on Conscience & War 800-379-2679 http://www.nisbco.org Central Committee on Conscientious Objection 888-236-2226 http://www.objector.org National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund 888-732-2382 http://www.peacetax.com
