If you have come to the decision that you cannot kill or be part of a war, you are a Conscientious Objector (CO). Your decision may be based on political, ethical, or religious beliefs. COs are exempt from military service, but may be required to perform alternative service as civilians if a draft is enacted. See the following link to the Selective Service System for a description of Conscientious Objection and Alternative Service http://www.sss.gov/FSconsobj.htm.

In addition to the status of CO, the government also recognizes Noncombatant Conscientious Objectors. These are persons who are opposed to killing and war, but are willing to perform noncombatant duties in the armed forces, such as being a medic. In the event of a draft, Noncombatant Conscientious Objectors would be trained without weapons and assigned to noncombatant service.

Registration with The Selective Service is required of all men within 30 days of their 18^th birthday. While women are not required to register, Congress does have the power to include women in a draft. Plans for a draft of health care workers include women. Registration carries a message to the world and to us. To the world it says, we are prepared as a country to fight. To us it says, if my country calls I am ready to serve.

If you choose not to register, there are consequences. While few have been prosecuted, the government has the right to seek fines and imprisonment. Federally supported college funding and job training may be withheld. Some states are refusing to issue a drivers license. The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO) offers further guidance on registration and the consequences of not registering http://www.objector.org/.

There is currently no draft, and it can only be reinstated with Congressional approval. There are two scenarios for reinstatement:

1) In the two week emergency scenario,  a lottery will be held the day after Congress and the President provide authorization. Those called to report to a Military Entrance Processing Center (MEPS) who wish to file a claim as a CO have about one week to do so. Barring that, you will be on a bus to boot camp the day you report to MEPS.

2) In the six month scenario, the timeframes are similar following the start of the lottery.

In either scenario, there is little time to prepare and file a claim. Thus, those who wish to file for CO status should prepare for the possibility of the draft being reinstated. Preparation means:

Talk: discuss your feelings with family, friends, clergy, and draft counselors

Read: explore the writings of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others