Commandant
2100 Second St. S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-00001
PHONE: (202) 267-1634
COMDTINST 1900.8
30 NOV 1990
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 1900.8
Subj: Conscientious Objectors and the Requirement to Bear Arms
Ref: (a) Personnel Manual, COMDTINST M1000.6 (Series), Chapter 12
1.
PURPOSE. This Instruction publishes procedures governing conscientious objectors and
processing requests for discharge based on conscientious objection.
2.
SCOPE. This Instruction is applicable to all officers and enlisted personnel of the Coast
Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.
3.
DISCUSSION. The Coast Guard determines before the applicant enters into the Coast Guard
whether an applicant is a conscientious objector. It also ensures that each applicant knows
that the Coast Guard is an Armed Force whose members may be directed to participate in
armed conflict. Therefore, the number who "solidify" their conscientious moral opposition to
participating in war after enlistment or commissioning has been small.
4.
DEFINITIONS.
a.
Conscientious Objection.
(1)
General. A firm, fixed and sincere objection, by reason of religious training and
belief, to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms.
(2)
Class 1-O Conscientious Objector. A member who, by reason of conscientious
objection, sincerely objects to participation in any kind of war in any form.
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