As a military affairs expert, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of what it means to go AWOL in the military. Going AWOL, which stands for "Absent Without Leave," is a serious offense in the military. It refers to a situation where a service member is absent from their assigned post or station without proper authorization or permission. This can occur for various reasons, ranging from personal issues to a deliberate decision to avoid service.

The concept of going AWOL has been a part of military discipline since the earliest organized forces. However, it became more widely recognized and formalized in the U.S. military during World War II and gained even more prominence by the 1960s. The term "AWOL" is an initialism, which means it is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of each word in the phrase "Absent Without Leave." The inclusion of the letter "o" in the middle is indeed a stylistic choice that allows the term to be pronounced as a word, making it easier to use in conversation.

Going AWOL can have severe consequences for the individual service member. It is considered a breach of military law and can lead to disciplinary actions such as non-judicial punishment, court-martial, or administrative discharge. The severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances surrounding the absence, the length of time the service member is AWOL, and their service record.

There are several factors that might contribute to a service member going AWOL. These can include:


1. Stress and Mental Health: The pressures of military service, including combat, can take a toll on a service member's mental health, leading to stress-related AWOL incidents.


2. Family and Personal Issues: Personal or family emergencies might prompt a service member to leave their post without permission to attend to these matters.


3. Disillusionment with Service: Some individuals may become disillusioned with the military, its policies, or their role within it, leading them to go AWOL as a form of protest or escape.


4. Desire for Adventure or Change: In some cases, the allure of civilian life or the desire for a different experience can lead a service member to go AWOL.


5. Avoidance of Duty: There are instances where service members may go AWOL to avoid certain duties or assignments they find undesirable or dangerous.

The military takes AWOL incidents very seriously. Upon being reported AWOL, a service member is typically subject to an investigation to determine the reasons for their absence and to locate them. If the individual is found and returned to duty, they may face a range of disciplinary measures. These can include:

- Administrative Actions: Such as a letter of reprimand, reduction in rank, or forfeiture of pay.

- Non-Judicial Punishment: Under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a commanding officer can administer non-judicial punishment without a court-martial.

- Court-Martial: For more severe cases, a service member may be tried by a court-martial, which can result in imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, or other penalties.

- Discharge: Depending on the circumstances, a service member may receive an administrative discharge, which can have long-term implications for their future, including difficulty finding employment or accessing veterans' benefits.

It's important to note that going AWOL is not a light decision and should not be taken lightly. Service members who are considering going AWOL should seek help from their chain of command, military counselors, or mental health professionals to address their concerns and explore alternative solutions.

In conclusion, going AWOL in the military is a serious matter with significant repercussions. It is a breach of military law that can lead to a range of disciplinary actions, depending on the circumstances. The military takes steps to address the reasons why service members might go AWOL and works to provide support and resources to prevent such incidents from occurring.

read more >>

absent without leavealso a.w.o.l., military initialism for absent without leave. The -o- seems to be there mostly so the initialism can be pronounced as a word. In U.S. military use at least from World War II, popular use by 1960.read more >>