What's the difference between AWOL and desertion?

Desertion typically involves the intent to leave one's unit or place of duty permanently, but an offender who is AWOL for 30 days automatically is considered to have deserted his or her post (without proof of intent).

What is the punishment for AWOL?

If the member is in absence from their un, organization, or another place of duty for more than 30 days and the AWOL is terminated by apprehension: dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, reduction to the lowest enlisted grade, and confinement for 18 months.

What is considered desertion in the military?

Any commissioned officer of the armed forces who, after tender of his resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits his post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom permanently is guilty of desertion.

What qualifies as AWOL?

AWOL means that you are absent from work without your employer's permission – it's an unexecuted absence. The length of the absence doesn't matter. You can be AWOL if you show up an hour late or if you don't come to work for a week. Employees may be charged with AWOL in many circumstances.

What happens to military deserters?

Under the military criminal code, the maximum penalty for desertion during a declared war is death. But such a sentence has been carried out just once since the Civil War, when Pvt. Eddie Slovik went before a firing squad during World War II. The next-highest punishment is five years in prison.

What Happens When You Go AWOL?

Is going AWOL a felony?

The key difference between them is that AWOL/UA is a misdemeanor, while desertion is a felony that assumes the missing soldier abandoned the service with the intent never to return.

Does the military look for you if you go AWOL?

If you're AWOL and seeking employment, a military warrant doesn't always show on an employment background check. However, after 30 days, a desertion will show up. If there is a deserter warrant out for your arrest, even if your AWOL status doesn't show up on a background check, it doesn't mean that you're in the clear.

What happens if u go AWOL?

If AWOL for more than 30 days, a warrant for your arrest can be issued, resulting in a possible federal arrest and conviction. This could lead to imprisonment, and the offense on your record can jeopardize your entire future, including your employment and career options.

Can you be executed for desertion?

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 15 offenses can be punishable by death, though many of these crimes — such as desertion or disobeying a superior commissioned officer's orders — carry the death penalty only in time of war.

Is going AWOL a federal offense?

Yes, it is a federal crime to "harbor" or "assist" a deserter. Generally a person is listed as a deserter after 30 days and a federal arrest warrant is issue.

How long before a soldier is considered AWOL?

Traditionally, AWOL simply meant that a soldier was not present for duty. Service members who are AWOL for more than 30 days can be listed as deserters. The offense is typically associated with intentionally slipping away from one's duty station, but disappearances that involve foul play complicate the practice.

How many soldiers go AWOL a year?

AWOL and Desertion charges are not uncommon in the military with the Army accumulating anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 annually.

What does AWOL mean in the military?

The Army and Air Force usually refer to such offenses as AWOL (Absent WithOut Leave) while the Navy and USMC usually use the term UA (Unauthorized Absence).

Is desertion a crime?

Attempted desertion also is charged as a military crime, as long as the attempt went beyond mere preparation. Desertion carries a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years.

Is AWOL a dishonorable discharge?

Potential punishments for being AWOL include: Confinement from one month to 18 months. Forfeiting all or some of your allowances and pay. Dishonorable discharge.

Can you just quit the military?

Getting a Military Discharge

There is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.

Who was the last person executed for desertion?

Edward Donald Slovik (February 18, 1920 – January 31, 1945) was a United States Army soldier during World War II and the only American soldier to be court-martialled and executed for desertion since the American Civil War.

Who was the last soldier executed for desertion?

On January 31, 1945, Eddie D. Slovik was executed for desertion—the only U.S. soldier of the war to suffer that fate.

When did the military stop executing deserters?

The last deserter to be executed had been during the Civil War. There have been no others. And even if Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl were to be convicted for desertion for allegedly walking away from his post prior to his capture by the Taliban five years ago, nobody imagines that he might face the death penalty.

Can you get fired for AWOL?

Absence without leave (AWOL) includes unapproved absences from duty or resignations. This gives employers the right to terminate their employee's services as long as they comply with due process.

What's it called when you leave the Army without permission?

Desertion is the abandonment of a military duty or post without permission (a pass, liberty or leave) and is done with the intention of not returning.

Does AWOL show up on a background check?

A military warrant doesn't always show up on an employment background check since those look at convictions. But, sooner or later the AWOL status will catch up with you and the longer it takes the more serious the charge (AWOL vs Desertion). Best to clear it as soon as possible, get discharged and move on.

How do you get dishonorable discharge?

Dishonorable discharges are handed down for what the military considers the most reprehensible conduct. This type of discharge may be rendered only by conviction at a general court-martial for serious offenses (e.g., desertion, sexual assault, murder, etc.) that call for dishonorable discharge as part of the sentence.

What happens if you go AWOL from work?

-Your employee turns up for work, or makes contact.

Remember that going AWOL is not normally grounds for dismissal. It is, however, grounds for disciplinary action – unless your employee has a very good reason, in which case you should not take further action.

What is a deserter pay card?

Each card provides the following information: soldier's name, rank, organizational post, service number, disbursing officer's name, voucher number and the voucher date (month/year). WWII Army Deserters Pay Card records are among several sources available to determine if a soldier actually deserted permanently.