Interest in leaving the U.S. military increased dramatically in March after the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began.

National Public Radio reported calls to the GI Rights Hotline from service members asking how to apply to become a conscientious objector were on the rise as the war increased disquiet in the military due to low morale or ethical concerns.

The Center on Conscience and War helps run the GI Rights Hotline, which includes Mennonites and Quakers. The CCW reported it took on more than 80 new clients in March — almost twice as many as in an average year.

Military retention began to rebound in 2024, prior to President Trump’s reelection. But one career counselor with the Army told NPR anonymously that the climate and cultural shifts under the current administration were the main reasons people gave for leaving.

“It has been a mess, and many individuals feel frustration throughout the ranks,” the counselor said.

CO discharges are one path out, but many others simply choose to retire early or not reenlist. Others apply for medical separation or even break the terms of their enlistment contracts early regardless of consequences.

CCW counseling director Bill Galvin said nearly all callers he spoke with mentioned the bombing of a girls’ school on the first day of the war that killed at least 165 civilians.

“It comes up almost always,” he said. “It’s like, ‘I can’t be a part of something that’s doing that.’ ”