Leaving Military Service?

Consider Talking to the GI Rights Hotline Before Leaving the Service

The GI Rights Hotline is a free, confidential, nonprofit service that helps U.S. military personnel, veterans, people considering enlistment, and their families understand their rights and options under military regulations. It is not a government agency.

GI Rights Hotline: 1-877-447-4487

The Hotline says it generally will not disclose that you contacted them or discuss your situation with anyone outside the organization without your permission. There are standard exceptions involving things such as a court subpoena or an imminent danger situation. You can also choose to remain anonymous.

The hotline specializes particularly in military personnel problems such as:

• Military discharges and separation issues
• Medical or disability discharges
• Hardship or dependency discharges
• Entry-level separation
• AWOL/UA situations
• Conscientious objection
• Reservist mobilization and participation issues
• Harassment or discrimination
• Military grievances and complaints, including Article 138 complaints
• Discharge upgrades
• Questions about military rights before joining the military

Under Trump, Conscientious Objectors Flee the Military

Another resource that military folks should consider.

The Center on Conscience & War (CCW) is a U.S. nonprofit organization that has advocated for conscientious objectors to war since 1940. Its work is particularly focused on people whose moral, ethical, or religious beliefs prevent them from participating in war or military service.

Official website: Center on Conscience & War

Normally, the organization has about 50 objectors in a year, said Mike Prysner, who runs a hotline at the CCW, but since February, Prysner said the organization has assisted about 140 applicants. “The Iran war was really the breaking point for them when they realized that they had to take action to make sure that they did not participate in something that they were going to regret for the rest of their lives,” Prysner said. [The New Republic, Hafiz Rashid, August 26, 2026 – U.S. troops are reaching their breaking point as they say recent orders challenge their moral beliefs.]

References:

• MS Now, Lt. Col. Rachel E. VanLandingham, August 28, 2026 – Trump’s wars are leaving invisible scars on our military – U.S. service personnel are suffering moral injury in large part because the White House is ignoring international law and basic military ethics.