David Brown

Not all those who avoided the draft were college students or draft dodgers. Some who were against the war were conscientious objectors (COs), men who were opposed to participation in war. Many COs would agree to perform noncombatant military service (such as a medic, cook, truck driver, or chaplain's aide) or alternative civilian service, usually in hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, instead of being trained for armed combat.

For men who were not Quakers or Mennonites (traditional pacifist religions) getting the government to approve their status as a conscientious objector sometimes proved difficult. Applicants wishing to be designated a conscientious objector had to fill out forms which asked detailed questions about their religious beliefs and when they believed the use of force could be justified. An applicant did not have much recourse if his CO application was denied by the...