It is impossible to know what the future holds. But it is fair to say that these are turbulent times, as the scope of possibilities stretches toward the yawning chasm of catastrophe. In this context, it is only prudent to prepare for the dire possibility of a draft. If the worst happens, and a call-up of military personnel is deemed necessary, you should be prepared for a range of options.
Sample text for declaring Conscientious Objection to military service is available below. The declaration is something you should write and send to yourself via email (which you will save in a back-up folder) and in certified mail, which you must retain unopened once you receive it. The postmark will serve as evidence of an extended history of C.O. status and stance which may be important if you have to defend your claim. Better still, having a Notary Public sign the document before you send it may help to register the seriousness with which you take this action. Most banks, and many post offices and UPS stores have in-house Notaries.
The reference letter should be sent to anyone who can claim knowledge of your character and conduct, and who will be prepared to vouch for you on that count. Ideally, this would not be a family member. I am planing to write several, but I am sure that there are other good people in your community who can serve in that role as well.
It is important to note that exercising these declarations does not oblige you or anyone to follow through on the protocols they describe. You are not required to use them. It just keeps your options option. In the event that this current crisis passes without further escalation, still, there is no telling what the future holds. The earlier you document C.O. convictions, the better they will hold up in any future possible hearing board or review process.
The Selective Service website states:
“Beliefs which qualify a registrant for CO status may be religious in nature, but don't have to be. Beliefs may be moral or ethical; however, a man’s reasons for not wanting to participate in a war must not be based on politics, expediency, or self-interest. In general, the man’s lifestyle prior to making his claim must reflect his current claims.”
I have included general language in the copy I’ve provided. I encourage you to alter and adjust it to your needs, but also to provide variety, so that your text doesn’t show up in web searches such that it appears pro-forma, or generic. Pull up a thesaurus for the words in red, especially, and throw in your own flavor.
Blessings.
Download the following two documents:
STATEMENT OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
Other Resources
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN CALL OF CONSCIENCE LETTER