The idea of conscientiously objecting to the idea of war has been around for as long as wars have existed - which is to say for all of recorded history, and undoubtedly prior to that too.

The United States has had more than its fair share of conscientious objectors. While it's thankfully not as big an issue in the last 50 years or so with an all-volunteer military, there are in fact members of the military today who seek to be discharged because they realize their personal beliefs are incompatible with their commitment to the military.

James found himself in that exact predicament about 5 years into his stint in the Army where he was employed as a musician. This is circa 2014-15. Although in a non-combat role, the very participation in - not to mention garnering public support for - an activity he deeply objected to led him to seek discharge as a conscientious objector.

In this episode of Ba Vojdaan, Sana asks James questions about:

• What defines a conscientious objector
• What life was like identifying as a CO while still on active duty
• How the process ended up playing out
• And more

It's kind of a heavy topic, guaranteed to invoke an emotional response whether positive or negative. So fair warning before you press play ;)

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