| − | A conscientious objector (CO) is a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces because to do so would violate his conscience. Such people are often motivated by a religious idea of [[pacifism]], such as [[Quakers]], [[Seventh-day_Adventist|Seventh Day Adventists]] or [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. A CO can also be a serving member of the military that has moral objections to killing another human, yet still wants to remain in the military. If the member is in combat, they usually take a position such as medic. In fact, Desmond Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist who refused to carry a weapon, was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]].[http://www.homeofheroes.com/profiles/profiles_doss.html] He is the only CO to ever be awarded this honor. | + | A '''conscientious objector''' (CO) is a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces because to do so would violate his conscience. Such people are often motivated by a religious idea of [[pacifism]], such as [[Quakers]], [[Seventh-day Adventist|Seventh Day Adventists]] or [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. A CO can also be a serving member of the military that has moral objections to killing another human, yet still wants to remain in the military. If the member is in combat, they usually take a position such as medic. In fact, Desmond Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist who refused to carry a weapon, was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]].[http://www.homeofheroes.com/profiles/profiles_doss.html] He is the only CO to ever be awarded this honor. |
| | Conscientious objector status is generally not given to people who have political reasons for opposing their nation's military policy, even if they call themselves "anti-war". They must demonstrate a moral or religious objection to the institution of war itself. | | Conscientious objector status is generally not given to people who have political reasons for opposing their nation's military policy, even if they call themselves "anti-war". They must demonstrate a moral or religious objection to the institution of war itself. |