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IndyOp Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 08:54 AM
Original message
For youth who might be drafted -> How to establish Conscientious Objector status
You are most likely to get "Conscientious Objector" status if you have thorough documentation of your anti-war activities and beliefs going back as far into the past as possible.

If the person is a male who has not yet turned 18 and registered with Selective Service, then read the instructions below about what to do when you register.

If you are over 18, then you've already signed up with Selective Service. You should start a conscientious objector file immediately (described below) if you haven't begun one already.

Q: What is a Conscientious Objector?
A Conscientious Objector (CO) is a person who objects to war in any form and whose belief is based on an ethical, moral or religious training or belief system.

Q: What if I am a Conscientious Objector? How do I tell the military?
To apply for CO status you must write, “I am a Conscientious Objector. I am opposed to all wars.” There is no check off box to write down any reason why you should not serve, so write it down on the bottom of the form, and any other free space. This might mean that you have written that you are a CO several times. Then make 2 photocopies: keep one and mail the other to yourself, but do not open it once it arrives. It is also a good idea to notarize your letter before mailing it. Making these copies is very important because the documents sent to the government will be destroyed, but at least now you will have a copy that has been post-marked with the same date.

Q: What should I do after I submit my registration form? How do I establish a CO file?
After you submit your form, it is a very good idea to start a "CO file" to document that your life reflects your believes. The file may contain letters from friends, teachers, employers or others stating why they believe you are opposed to all wars. These letters will help you later if you ever need to build a case for yourself. In addition to this, write papers in school or letters to the local newspaper regarding your anti-war beliefs. If these letters get published, cut them out, and save them. They will improve your case for not being a good soldier. If you receive military recruiting flyers, write on them that you are a Conscientious Objector, make a photocopy, and send them back. And finally, write a statement of your beliefs regarding your opposition to all wars. This draft can be one page or thirty; it doesn’t really matter, so long as it clearly outlines your stance on war. For more information: Learn more about how to establish a CO file.

Information above is from:
http://www.pjcvt.org/co.htm

How to File a CO Claim
http://www.objector.org/coclaim.html
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TechBear_Seattle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 09:01 AM
Response to Original message
1. The CO-FAQ
Now that my huge project at work has been finished, I hope to get an updated, tidied up version posted in the next few weeks.

http://www.serv.net/~techbear/writings/FAQ-CO.html
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Bjornsdotter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 09:12 AM
Response to Original message
2. One point

My son has a CO file, however his selective service form was sent in automatically by the state of Illinois. It is done through the DMV, so if you get a license to drive you will automatically get your card before your 18th birthday. As a result there is no form to fill out except for the application for a driver's license.

Fortunately in my son's case they misspelled his name and he was able to send the original back with the words Conscientious Objector all over it.

Just an FYI for those in states with an automatic sign up.

Cheers
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H2O Man Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 09:16 AM
Response to Original message
3. Also use the resources
Edited on Mon Nov-20-06 09:17 AM by H2O Man
offered by the Center on Conscience & War (NISBCO) at:


nisbco@nisbco.com

on edit: I need to find the correct link. Sorry!
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H2O Man Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 09:19 AM
Response to Reply #3
4. Updated:
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IndyOp Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-20-06 09:32 AM
Response to Reply #4
5. Thank you, H20 Man... (n/t)
:hi:
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