The CRCNA affirms military service as a legitimate and honorable vocation for Christians. The CRCNA operates within the just war tradition, which holds that war may be justly undertaken when it meets certain conditions: just cause, right intention, legitimate authority, just means, and reasonable hope of success. Christians may participate in military service when these conditions are met and when the cause is just.

The theological basis for this position is found in the understanding of government as divinely ordained to maintain order, execute justice, and protect the innocent (Romans 13:1–4). Christians are taught to be model citizens and to respect governmental authority. The CRCNA has historically supported military chaplaincy and has encouraged Christian men and women to consider military service as a form of Christian vocation and service to their nation.

While the CRCNA affirms military service, it also recognizes conscientious objection as a possibility for those whose conscience forbids participation in warfare. However, this is a minority position within the denomination, and the dominant tradition is one of support for military service as consistent with Christian discipleship and civic responsibility. The CRCNA's confessions do not address military service in detail, but the broader Reformed tradition of supporting just governance and the protection of the innocent supports this stance.