"I showed up at the base expecting to hear whether the local Navy command had approved my conscientious objector status."
You should have never showed up at the recruiters office.
He didn't joine the Navy to serve his country, he joined for tuition benefits.
I hope he never sees them.
With a BCD, he won't get any. I truly hope he does get a BCD, and time in the brig. What a dumba$$. He's a volunteer in the ARMED SERVICES. He's not only a volunteer, but his NEC is designed specifically around WEAPONS DESIGNED TO KILL THE ENEMY before they can kill you.
Now, if he was really an objector, he would have found that out in "A" school, when they talk to you about your rate, etc.
As a Navy vet, I am truly disgusted.