THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1775
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
22 February 2023

*Army Regulation 600–43

Effective 22 March 2023

Personnel–General

Conscientious Objection

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

JAMES C. MCCONVILLE
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

MARK F. AVERILL
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army

History. This publication is a major revision. The portions affected by this major revision are listed in the summary of change.

Authorities. This regulation implements DoDI 1300.06.

Applicability. This regulation applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal reviewed by the activity's senior legal officer. All waivers requests will be endorsed by the commander of senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25–30 for specific guidance.

Army internal control process. The regulation contains internal controls provisions in accordance with AR 11–2 and identifies key internal controls that must be evaluated (see app B).

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA FormDA FormDepartment of the Army form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) (SAMR–MPQ), 111 Washington, DC 20310–0111.

Distribution. This publication is available in electronic media only and is intended for the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

*This regulation supersedes AR 600-43, dated 16 May 2019.

AR 600–43 • 22 February 2023

UNCLASSIFIED

Class 1 – A – O conscientious objector A member who, by reason of conscientious objection, sincerely opposes participation only in combatant military training and service and for whom such beliefs play a significant role in his or her other life.

Class 1 – O conscientious objector A member who, by reason of conscientious objection, sincerely opposes participation in combatant and noncombatant military training and service in war in any form and for whom such beliefs play a significant role in his or her other life.

Conscientious objection Opposition to participating in any form of war or the bearing of arms due to sincerely held morals, ethical or religious beliefs, or a combination of such beliefs. Unless otherwise specified, the term “conscientious objector” includes both class 1 – O and class 1 – A – O conscientious objectors.

Noncombatant service/noncombatant duties (class 1 – A – O) Service in any unit of the military Services that is unarmed at all times. Any other assignment, the primary function of which, does not require the use of arms in combat provided that such other assignment is ac- ceptable to the individual concerned and does not require him or her to bear arms or to be trained in their use. Service aboard an armed ship or aircraft or in a combat zone will be considered to be noncombatant duty unless the individual concerned is personally and directly involved in the operation of weapons.

Noncombatant training Training that is not concerned with the study, use, or handling of arms or weapons.

Religious, moral, or ethical belief Deeply held religious, moral, or ethical belief, to which all else is subordinate and has the power or force to affect personal moral well-being. The belief need not have found expression in ether religious or socie- tal traditions. However, it should sincerely occupy a place of at least equal value in the life of its posses- sor. Deeply held moral or ethical beliefs should be valued with the strength and devotion of traditional reli- gious conviction. The term “religious, moral, or ethical belief” does not include a belief that rests solely upon considerations of policy, pragmatism, expediency, or political views.

War in any form The clause “war in any form” should be interpreted in the following manner: a . An individual who desires to choose a specific war in which to participate is not a conscientious objec- tor under the law. The individual’s objection must be to all wars rather than a specific war. b . A belief in a theocratic or spiritual war between the powers of good and evil does not constitute a will- ingness to participate in “war” within the meaning of this issuance.

Conscientious Objection This major revision, dated 22 February 2023— • Incorporates Army Directive 2018 – 22 (Retention Policy for Non-Deployable Soldiers) (para 1–6 d ). • Moves procedures to DA PamDA PamDepartment of the Army Pamphlets 600 – 46 (throughout).