COMDTINST 1900.8 30 NOV 1990
c.
The burden of establishing a claim of conscientious objection as a ground for separation
or assignment to noncombatant service is on the applicant. To this end, the applicant
must establish by clear and convincing evidence:
(1)
that the nature or basis of the claim falls within the definition of and criteria
prescribed herein for conscientious objection, and
(2)
that the belief is honest, sincere and deeply held. The member has the burden of
determining and setting forth the exact nature of the request, i.e. whether to
request separation based on conscientious objection (1-0) or to request
assignment to noncombatant duty based on conscientious objection (1-A-O).
Guidelines for applying for conscientious objector status are detailed in
paragraph 7 of this Instruction.
A member claiming 1-O status shall not be granted 1-A-O status simply as a
compromise but may be granted 1-A-O status if that status is considered more
appropriate.
d.
Members determined not qualified for conscientious objector status, but whose
separation would otherwise appear to be in the best interest of the Coast Guard, should
be considered for administrative separation under reference (a).
e.
A member claiming conscientious objector status shall not be granted 1-O or 1-A-O
status simply because the member's religious beliefs preclude the performance of duties
on the member's Sabbath. Cases of this nature may qualify for administrative separation
under reference (a).
f.
Area and district commanders, commanders of Maintenance and Logistics Commands,
Commander, CG Activities Europe and commanding officers of Headquarters units are
authorized to return to the member, without action, any second or subsequent
application that is based upon essentially the same grounds, or supported by essentially
the same evidence, as an application previously submitted to the Commandant and
disapproved.
6.
CRITERIA. The following criteria provides policy and guidance in considering applications
for separation or for assignment to noncombatant training and service based on conscientious
objection:
a.
Consistent with the national policy to recognize the claims of bona fide conscientious
objectors in the military service, an application for classification as a conscientious
objector may be approved for any individual meeting all of the following criteria:
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