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Tips For Building Your CO File
A conscientious objector must meet three criteria:
- Object to participation in war in any form;
- Base one's objections on religious, moral, or ethical training and belief;
- Demonstrate that this position is sincerely and deeply held.
The unwillingness to participate in war activities, based on beliefs, not on philosophy or political ideology, is key to establishing a successful claim for Conscientious Objector status.
See the U.S. Selective Service's Conscientious Objection and Alternative Service page and our FAQ What will I need to do to claim status as a conscientious objector?.
What Constitutes Religious Training and Belief?
- They can come from participation in a traditional peace church.
- Simply believing in God and being a member of a church is not sufficient. You must also demonstrate that you would have no rest or peace due to these beliefs if required to participate in war.
- They can come from moral or ethical beliefs which occupy the same place in the life of the applicant as the belief in a traditional deity holds in the life of a traditionally religious person.
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How Does One Demonstrate Sincerity?
- One must be able to point to the length of time the feelings have been held, e.g. participation in peace events, choice of classes, jobs, interests, etc.
- If the feelings crystallized at a certain point – a “point of clarity” – explain and document that moment.
- Gather support letters from friends, family, teachers, clergy, counselors, relatives, classmates, or anyone else who knows you well and can speak to your beliefs and actions. Letters should cover the nature and length of the relationship, the person's belief that you are sincere in your CO claim, include examples of your actions which demonstrate your convictions, and how deeply your beliefs are held.
- Write out how you came to your beliefs and how they affect your life.
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Your Conscientious Objector (CO) file should include:
- A clear statement of your beliefs;
- How you came to your beliefs;
- Documentation to support your sincerity, including examples of actions and activities that show you believe in what you profess;
- Articles, news clippings, artwork, letters, e-mails, newsgroup entries, personal journal entries, and any other material that supports your claim.
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