In 1865, two Adventist members who entered the army were disfellowshiped from the church. This fact is mentioned in the Review and Herald.
“As voluntary enlistment into the service of war is contrary to the principles of faith and practice of Seventh-day Adventists as contained in the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, they cannot retain those within their communion who so enlist. Enoch Hayes was therefore excluded from the membership of the Battle Creek church, by a unanimous vote of the church, March 4, 1865…
“The church of Plum River and Green Vale, Illn, met on the 22nd day of January in business capacity, and after due deliberation, withdrew their fellowship from Hiram N. Bates, who has voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. service, thereby showing that he was not in harmony with the views of the Seventh-day Adventists.”74
The pioneers of the church disfellowshiped those who enlisted in the army. They did not sanction the transgression of the commandments.
On the other hand, in World War I, the leaders in Europe disfellowshiped members who were conscientious objectors, in other words, the faithful.
Today the church will tolerate those who bear arms in the military.