
There were three categories of conscientious objectors that were recognised by the government's system.
- "Absolutists" - Men who strongly opposed war. They were unwilling to perform any combative as well as non-combatant...
- "Alternativists" - Men who would participate in alternative work, as long as it was outside of military control.
- Conscientious Objector Class 1-O. A member who, by reason of conscientious objection, sincerely objects to participation in military service of any kind in war in any form.
- Conscientious Objector Class 1-A-O. ...
- Separation or Other Assignment. ...
- Clear and Convincing Evidence of Conscientious Objection. ...
- Reference.
What are the two types of conscientious objections?
The Two Types of Conscientious Objector Conscientious Objector Class 1-O Conscientious Objector Class 1-A-O Separation or Other Assignment Clear and Convincing Evidence of Conscientious Objection Reference
What does it mean to be a conscientious objector?
A conscientious objector is a person who refuses to bear arms or serve in the military based on a matter of conscience; rather, on moral, ethical, or religious grounds. In the United States, conscientious objections were raised in response to military conscription (the “draft”).
What happened to the conscientious objectors in WW2?
During the Winter War, Pekurinen and other conscientious objectors were imprisoned, and Pekurinen was eventually executed at the front in 1941, during the Continuation War . After the war, a conscientious objector's civilian service lasted 16 months, whereas military service was 8 months at its shortest.
Are conscientious objectors persecuted in the US?
Conscientious objectors in the United States may perform either civilian work or noncombatant service in lieu of combatant military service. Historically, conscientious objectors have been persecuted in the United States.

What three types of conscientious objector were there?
Categories"Absolutists" - men who were categorically opposed to the war. ... "Alternativists" - men who would perform alternative work as long as it was outside of military control."Non-Combatants" - men who would join the army but on the basis that they were not trained to bear arms.
Who were conscientious objectors and what did they do?
Today, all conscientious objectors are required to register with the Selective Service System. A conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles.
What were conscientious objectors during World war 2?
There were pacifists and those whose political beliefs kept them from service. Their options were to serve, find war work, or end up in jail if they refused induction. For another large segment of the population, their choice not to serve was religious. These men were known as conscientious objectors.
Who was considered a conscientious objector?
A conscientious objector is a person who refuses to bear arms or serve in the military based on a matter of conscience; rather, on moral, ethical, or religious grounds. In the United States, conscientious objections were raised in response to military conscription (the “draft”).
Who were the conscientious objectors in ww1?
Around 16,000 men refused to take up arms or fight during the First World War for any number of religious, moral, ethical or political reasons. They were known as conscientious objectors.
Who were conscientious objectors quizlet?
Conscientious objectors are people who have religious, moral or political objections either to all wars or, less commonly, to a particular war.
How many conscientious objectors were there in ww2?
During World War II, there were 34.5 million men who registered for the draft. Of those, 72,354 applied for conscientious objector status. Of those conscientious objectors, 25,000 served in noncombatant roles, and there were 12,000 men who chose to perform alternative service.
What were the conscientious objectors who refused to do any war related work were known as?
Alternativist or Absolutist This was generally agriculture, forestry or unskilled manual labour. Other conscientious objectors - known as 'absolutists' - refused to do any war-related work or obey military orders.
How were conscientious objectors treated in ww2?
Although none of death sentences was carried out, almost 150 objectors were jailed for life, and others were harassed and beaten. Finally, in World War II, the draft law exempted from military service those who "by reason of religious training and belief" opposed war.
How many conscientious objectors are in the military?
The number of Soldiers applying to be classified as conscientious objectors remains small, about 0.01% of the force of, as of September 30, 2005 (active duty strength: 492,728).
How many conscientious objectors won the Medal of Honor?
There have been three conscientious objectors who were awarded the Medal of Honor – the highest military honor in the US – without ever firing a weapon. One of those men is Desmond Doss, who has had his story translated to the silver screen in “Hacksaw Ridge,” a new movie directed by Mel Gibson.
Who were conscientious objectors in Vietnam War?
Large numbers of people resisted military service, claiming to be conscientious objectors, people whose personal beliefs are incompatible with military service. These young men were prosecuted criminally for refusal to comply with draft board orders calling them into military service for the Vietnam War.
Which country recognizes all types of objectors and provides both noncombatant and civilian service?
Belgium enacted a similar law in 1964, recognizing objection to all military service on religious, philosophical, and moral grounds. Scandinavian countries recognize all types of objectors and provide both noncombatant and civilian service.
Did Prussia exempt Mennonites from military service?
There have, however, been times when certain pacifisticreligious sects have been exempted. During the 19th century, Prussia exempted the Mennonites from military service in return for a military tax, and until 1874 they were exempted in Russia. Such exceptions were unusual, however.
What is a conscientious objector?
e. A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service " on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion. In some countries, conscientious objectors are assigned to an alternative civilian service as a substitute for conscription or military service.
Why are conscientious objectors punished?
Many conscientious objectors have been executed, imprisoned, or otherwise penalized when their beliefs led to actions conflicting with their society's legal system or government. The legal definition and status of conscientious objection has varied over the years and from nation to nation.
What is a compromising form of conscientious objection?
One compromising form is to accept non-combatant roles during conscription or military service.
What is a case of religiously motivated conscientious objection?
Cases of behavior which could be considered as religiously motivated conscientious objection are historically attested long before the modern term appeared. For example, the Medieval Orkneyinga Saga mentions that Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney – the future Saint Magnus – had a reputation for piety and gentleness, and because of his religious convictions refused to fight in a Viking raid on Anglesey, Wales, instead staying on board his ship singing psalms .
Is conscientious objection legal in Colombia?
Conscientious objection is not recognised in Colombia, which has occasionally resulted of the detention and forced recruitment of those who refuse the draft. This is despite the fact that the Colombia constitutional court has ruled that conscientious objection is protected by the constitution in 2012.
Did East Germany have a right to conscientious objection?
After World War II in East Germany, there was no official right to conscientious objection . Nevertheless, and uniquely among the Eastern bloc, objections were accepted and the objectors assigned to construction units. They were however part of the military, so that a fully civilian alternative did not exist. Also, " construction soldiers " were discriminated against in their later professional life.
Who was the first conscientious objector to be allowed to live in France?
In 2015, Lee Yeda was the first conscientious objector to be allowed to live in France via asylum. In June 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled 6-3 that Article 5 of the country's Military Service Act is unconstitutional because it fails to provide an alternative civilian national service for conscientious objectors.
What is the Army's conscientious objector status?
The Army Regulation recognizes two types of "conscientious objector" status: 1-0 and 1-A-0. A Soldier may submit a 1-0 conscientious objector application when the Soldier is sincerely opposed, because of religious or deeply held moral or ethical (not political, philosophical or sociological) beliefs to participating in war in any form.
Can a soldier be denied a 1-0?
The Soldier's General Court Martial Convening Authority can approve this application; however, only HQDA can deny it. An applicant claiming 1-0 status will not be granted 1-A-0 status as a compromise. Similarly, discharge will not be recommended for those who apply for classification as a noncombatant.
Can a conscientious objector be reconsidered?
The CORB member adjudicates the application based upon the evidence presented in the application. A conscientious objector application that has been considered and disapproved by the CORB can not be reconsidered.

Conscientious Objector Class 1-O
Conscientious Objector Class 1-A-O
- A member who, by reason of conscientious objection, sincerely objects to participation as a combatant in war in any form, but whose convictions are such as to permit military service in a noncombatant status. Also referred to as noncombatant duties or noncombatant service.
Separation Or Other Assignment
- As a general rule Class 1-O will be separated (aka leave service) whilst Class 1-A-O can request assignment to non-combatant duties. Those requesting assignment to non-combatant duties must detail what benefit their continued service would be to the military.
Clear and Convincing Evidence of Conscientious Objection
- The burden of establishing conscientious objection as grounds for separation or assignment to non-combatant training and service lies with the individual. The individual must establish by clear and convincing evidence that: 1. The nature or basis of the claim falls under the definition of conscientious objections described in the relevant publication; 2. The individual’s belief is hones…
Overview
A conscientious objector (often shortened to conchie) is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion.
In some countries, conscientious objectors are assigned to an alternative civilian service as a substitute for conscription or military service.
History
Many conscientious objectors have been executed, imprisoned, or otherwise penalized when their beliefs led to actions conflicting with their society's legal system or government. The legal definition and status of conscientious objection has varied over the years and from nation to nation. Religious beliefs were a starting point in many nations for legally granting conscientious object…
International law
In 1948, the issue of the right to "conscience" was dealt with by the United Nations General Assembly in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It reads:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or i…
Selective conscientious objection
Air Commodore Lionel Charlton, of the British Royal Air Force (RAF), served in the military from 1898 to 1928. In 1923 he selectively refused to serve in the RAF Iraq Command. (He later went on to serve as Air Officer Commanding No 3 Group.)
On June 4, 1967, John Courtney Murray, an American Jesuit priest and theologian, delivered an address at Western Maryland College concerning a more specific type of conscientious objection…
Religious motives
Cases of behavior which could be considered as religiously motivated conscientious objection are historically attested long before the modern term appeared. For example, the Medieval Orkneyinga Saga mentions that Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney – the future Saint Magnus – had a reputation for piety and gentleness, and because of his religious convictions refused to fight in a Viking raid on Anglesey, Wales, instead staying on board his ship singing psalms.
Alternatives for objectors
Some conscientious objectors are unwilling to serve the military in any capacity, while others accept noncombatant roles. While conscientious objection is usually the refusal to collaborate with military organizations, as a combatant in war or in any supportive role, some advocate compromising forms of conscientious objection. One compromising form is to accept non-combatant roles during conscription or military service. Alternatives to military or civilian service …
Conscientious objection around the world
Conscription was mandatory to all able-bodied Belgian males until 1994, when it was suspended. Civilian service was possible since 1963. Objectors could apply for the status of conscience objector. When granted, they did an alternative service with the civil service or with a socio-cultural organisation. The former would last 1.5 times as long as the shortest military service, the latter twice a…
Conscientious objection in professional forces
Only two European Union countries – Germany and the Netherlands – recognize the right to conscientious objection for contract and professional military personnel.
In the United States, military personnel who come to a conviction of conscientious objection during their tour of duty must appear in front of a panel of experts, which consists of psychiatrists, military chaplains and officers.