Absence without official leave

Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) is a term used in the military to describe a failure by duty-bound personnel to report for scheduled duty. It is a serious offense that can result in administrative or judicial punishment depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction involved.

Definition

Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) is a military term used to describe a situation where a service member is absent from where they are expected to be (i.e., their appointed place of duty) without permission from their commanding officer. This can include being late for duty, being absent for a short time, or desertion.

Legal Implications

In many military jurisdictions, being AWOL is a criminal offense. The severity of the charges can vary depending on the length of the absence, the intentions of the absent party, and the circumstances surrounding the absence. Penalties can range from administrative sanctions such as a reduction in rank or forfeiture of pay, to judicial punishments such as imprisonment.

Related Terms

Desertion is a more serious offense than AWOL. While AWOL personnel intend to return, deserters do not intend to return to their post or duty. In the United States military, for example, desertion carries a maximum penalty of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years.

See Also

• Military law
• Desertion
• Court-martial
• Dishonorable discharge