COMDTINST 1900.8 30 NOV 1990
4.
a. (3) Class 1-A-0 Conscientious Objector. 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.
Unless otherwise specified, the term "conscientious objector" includes both 1-O and 1-
A-O conscientious objectors.
b.
Religious Training and Belief. Belief in an external power or being or deeply held
moral or ethical belief, to which all else is subordinate or upon which all else is
ultimately dependent, and which has the power or force to affect moral welfare. The
external power or being need not be an orthodox deity, but may be a sincere meaningful
belief which occupies in the life of its possessor a place parallel to that filled by the God
of another, or, in the case of deeply held moral or ethical beliefs, a belief held with the
strength and devotion of traditional religious conviction. The term religious training
and belief may include solely moral or ethical beliefs even though the applicant may not
characterize these beliefs as "religious" in the traditional sense, or may expressly
characterize them as not religious. The term "religious training and belief" does not
include a belief which rests solely upon considerations of policy, pragmatism,
expediency or political views.
c.
Noncombatant Service or Noncombatant Duty.
(1)
Service in any unit of the Coast Guard which is unarmed at all times.
(2)
Service in the medical department of any of the Armed Forces wherever
performed.
(3)
Any other assignment where the primary function of which does not require the
use of arms in combat provided that such other assignment is acceptable to the
member concerned and does not require the member to bear arms or to be
trained in their use.
(4)
Service aboard an armed ship or aircraft or in a combat zone shall not be
considered to be combatant duty unless the individual is personally and directly
involved in the operation of weapons.
d.
Noncombatant Training. Any training which is not concerned with the study, use or
handling of arms or weapons.
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