I stopped going to the Reserves drill two months ago because I will no longer wear a military uniform for moral reasons. I have been in for ...

Question

I stopped going to the Reserves drill two months ago because I will no longer wear a military uniform for moral reasons. I have been in for a little over 2 years. I am hesitant to apply for Conscientious Objector status because all of the red tape and bureaucracy involved, and it is very hard to get approved. If I continue to cut contact and never show up I will most likely receive an OTH discharge (from my understanding, correct me if I am wrong). Is there a way to get a better discharge in my circumstance?

Answer

You're presently in violation of Article 87 (AWOL) and if your intent is to stay away permanently you are in violation of Article 85 (desertion). The consequences of either are severe but if you are charged under article 85 you could do prison time. What you need to do is find yourself an attorney who is familiar with military law and get this mess handled. Every day you stay away works against you. Check this out.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/awoldesertion.htm