About AWOL Soldiers

A soldier's job is difficult, and it is easily understandable that young men and women can become disheartened or scared throughout their terms of service, especially if they experience or have the prospect of experiencing a war zone. However, these fears are not justified by abandoning one's post or failing to report to duty. These types of offenses result in AWOL charges, which can carry steep punishments, depending on the nature of the crime.

Definition

A soldier from the United States, United Kingdom or Canada is qualified as AWOL, or absence without leave, when he abandons or is otherwise not present at his post and did not receive the appropriate permission needed to abandon that post. Though this definition is broad, it is mitigated by a few specifics. The soldier must intentionally abandon his post, abandon it because he is trying to avoid a task that may be considered dangerous, or have enlisted in another unit or branch of the military without a formal discharge from his current unit.

Technicalities

Though the broad definition of AWOL covers most cases, a soldier is generally considered AWOL anytime he is not where he is supposed to be. In this sense, however, the term AWOL is not so much conveying a serious crime as a soldier's status. A soldier who misses a medical appointment, is late for duty or is a no-show for a physical fitness test can be considered AWOL, meaning that he is supposed to be somewhere, does not have permission to be absent, and has not left word of why he is not there.

AWOL vs. Desertion

As mentioned above, AWOL can refer to anytime a soldier is not where he should be. This can be for a variety of reasons, ranging from forgetfulness to fear to the desire to no longer maintain his responsibilities at this point. Even though a soldier displaying these reasons can be said to have "deserted" his post, the difference between a charge of AWOL and one of desertion lies in intent. Someone guilty of being AWOL may not realize that he is not where he is supposed to be, or he may realize it but choose to remain absent anyway. That soldier may, however, not want to permanently relieve himself of his duties, and may fully intend on returning to his post or serving out his term at another time or through other means. Someone who has deserted his post, however, is said to have intentionally abandoned it permanently, with no desire to return to his duties or the military.

Reporting AWOLs

Every branch of the military expects its soldiers and personnel to report when an individual has gone AWOL and any information they may have as to the soldier's whereabouts and reason for being absent. Because this is considered a duty, no reward or special treatment is offered to those who provide this type of information. All cases and potential cases or AWOL and desertion should be reported to that military branch's Deserter Information Point (DIP) number. According to About.com's entry on Reporting AWOL and Desertion, those phone numbers are as follows: Marine Corps: [phone]; Navy: [phone]; Army: [phone]; Air Force: [phone]; Coast Guard: [phone].

Punishment

The punishment one receives for going AWOL depends on many factors, including the soldier's prior behavioral record, reason for going AWOL, desire to remain an active soldier, willingness to accept his punishment for going AWOL, length of AWOL period, and the length of his remaining service term, according to the U.S. Army Research Institute. Most soldiers accused of being AWOL will be court-martialed and can face lengthy sentences in a military prison, depending upon the nature of the crime and the above-mentioned factors. Less-severe cases of AWOL may result in soldiers being sentenced to probation or military detention, which boasts housing facilities similar to a prison's.

Resources

• AWOL and Desertion
• What We Know About AWOL and Desertion