Application 2-1
Appendix B
b. Training and Belief
(1) An express, specific statement as to whether the person requests classification as a conscientious objector 1-0, or as a conscientious objector 1-A-0.
I, Rank Name Withheld, am requesting classification as a conscientious objector 1-0.
(2) A description of the nature of the belief that requires the person to seek separation from the military service for reasons of conscience.
How are your beliefs religious, moral or ethical? If you are affiliated with a particular religious teaching or body, note that in answer to this question. What is it about your beliefs that is incompatible with the military�s mission of fighting wars?
Keep this part short and simple. Explain your religious, ethical, and/or moral beliefs generally, but very strongly. This will be the basis for the rest of your application. If your description of your beliefs is too broad or wanders, then your case is not as clear as it will need to be for approval. Do not ever refer to your family or friends here. Keep this section strictly on topic: your religious, moral, ethical beliefs.
(3) An explanation as to how beliefs changed or developed, to include an explanation as to what factors caused the change in or development of conscientious objection beliefs.
First, describe your beliefs about the military and defending the country upon your enlistment. What did you think then? What was your motivation to join? How did you feel about your decision and how did you feel telling others of your decision to enlist? Indicate clearly that you were not religiously, morally, or ethically opposed at that time. Do not express ethical uncertainty at that time.
Then, exactly how and when did your beliefs change to become your present convictions? What happened after you enlisted that changed your willingness to be part of the military�s mission? After your enlistment, what new experiences and training helped form your beliefs against participating in war? Remember all of your violent training, and make a complete, vivid list.
(4) An explanation as to when these beliefs became incompatible with military service and why.
At what specific point did your beliefs crystallize, leading you to pursue recognition as a conscientious objector? What happened exactly? Where were you? Who was with you? What was happening at the time? Give ample details of this. What additional experiences or thoughts confirmed or reinforced your resolve to seek CO classification?
How would you describe your feelings when deciding whether to seek classification as a conscientious objector? What did you do right after that important moment of realization? Your beliefs have changed since your enlistment to now; so, can you change your beliefs back to what they were when you enlisted?
(5) An explanation as to the circumstances, if any, under which the person believes in the use of force, and to what extent, under any foreseeable circumstances.
According to your beliefs, what is ideal? Is violence ever a necessary means? Do you reject participation in war in any form? If you do (as you must be for approval as a CO in the U.S.), then you oppose all wars.
If you go into too much specific detail here, you�ll give those reviewing your claim a greater opportunity to grill you and look for inconsistencies. Is what you say that you believe and the level of force you will accept or actually use consistent?
(6) An explanation as to what in the person�s life most conspicuously demonstrates the consistency and depth of beliefs that have rise [sic] to her claim.
How do you feel being in the military each day now? Do you have positive evaluations or awards that demonstrate your excellence and prior commitment to the military�s mission? How has your life changed since your beliefs crystallized? Who have you talked to about your beliefs�coworkers, supervisors, Chaplain? Do you have any new practices or habits that relate to your beliefs?
If you�re seeking an honorable discharge, then please note it in this section that despite your objection to war in all forms, you honor the contract you have signed. Therefore, you have not refused to wear your uniform, perform military duty, or been absent without leave (AWOL).
(7) An explanation as to how the applicant�s daily life has changed as a result of her beliefs and what future action she plans to continue to support her beliefs.
In the military, you cannot change your lifestyle very much. However, how does your daily life attests to your steadfast moral and ethical character?
o Describe your view on the use of force. How does that play out day-to-day? As an example, I included a year�s worth of video rental records from the PX to demonstrate my commitment to avoiding movies containing violent images.
o What other conscientious decisions and activities are part of your life?
o What do you value personally? What impact do you seek to have in the lives of other or in the world?
What are you doing to continue and advance your religious, moral, or ethical development and awareness?
Assuming your status as a conscientious objector is recognized and when you are discharged, what do you plan to do? What are you short-term goals? What are your long-term or even life-long goals?
