Military Recruitment in Schools: Soilders gone AWOL

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.

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.

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.

Military Recruitment in Schools