GI Rights Hotline

Military Discharges and Military Counseling

Call 1-877-447-4487

AWOL or UA from Active Duty

Fact Sheet

After you read this fact sheet, please call the Hotline (877-447-4487) to talk over your options with a counselor.

Army commands have a lot of discretion regarding the ways they handle differents situations involving Absence offenses (AWOL and Desertion). There are many factors that can influence consequences. GI Rights Hotline is aware that other sources online have posted oversimplifications of how such cases are handled sometimes leading to disappointment when actual outcomes are different than expected. (Sometimes outcomes are better than what was expected.) While there are some probabilities, our experience is that people in such situations need to know there are no guarantees or rules obligating the military to give the desired outcome. GI Rights counselors are available to discuss trends and considerations that may be useful in deciding how to resolve absences from the Army.

What kind of punishments will an AWOL or UA GI face?

For people looking for specific guidance about punishments for going AWOL/UA, the phrase “as court-martial may direct” of the UCMJ is not very helpful. Actual punishments can vary from nothing at all to General Court-Martial, which could include a sentence of dishonorable discharge (a felony level conviction) and also could include years of jail time. Typically, punishments range in between these two extremes. In an effort to deter GIs from going AWOL/UA many commands circulate threats of worst case scenarios and unrealistically harsh punishments. (Note: while many people have been told that desertion during a time of war is punishable by death, OIF and OEF are recognized as police actions rather than as congressionally declared wars and no one has received such punishment in decades.) These rumors generate fears and consequently many absent GIs are reluctant to return to the military and resolve the issue. For many people the fears are increased by the mistaken idea that they are the only person in their situation, when in reality thousands of others have done it. In a majority of cases the actual punishments upon surrender/apprehension are less severe than absentees and their families and friends feared. Most cases are resolved without court-martial.

The specific punishments that any one person will face depend on a number of factors, all of which can be discussed with a GI Rights Hotline counselor:

Military branch and component
Duration of the absence
Time in Service
Place of Surrender
Apprehension vs. surrender
Intent of GI
Mitigating factors
Command discretion


How can I get accurate information about AWOL or UA?

Because of the factors involved and the uncertainty of all things involving the military, no one can ever predict a guaranteed outcome for a specific situation. The military reserves the right to handle offenses case by case. However, because the GI Rights Hotline handles thousands of cases each year, its counselors can normally give an accurate picture of likely outcomes.

Often people in AWOL/UA status contact the military for information and options. Sometimes the military has given helpful information, but in many cases the information given was inaccurate. Some in the military are well meaning but misinformed about the latest policies or just careless with the details. Some will say whatever they think they need to to get the person to return to duty regardless of the GI’s intent. People should always be cautious of any deals or promises made to a GI while absent. There is no guarantee that these deals will be honored upon surrender. The military is not bound by such agreements. They could deny that they ever took place or claim that anyone who made such an agreement did not have proper authority to do so. Contacting a GI Rights Hotline counselor can help you to confirm the accuracy of information that comes from the military.

Many people who have been discharged from the military for going AWOL/UA have described their experiences on the internet to help guide others. While many of these descriptions include helpful information it is essential that people recognize that the circumstances of their own situation may result in very different results. It is recommended that anyone looking for information contact the GI Rights Hotline (877-447-4487) for comprehensive, up to date information, even if a person’s situation seems identical to one explained in an internet posting.

Topics our counselors can discuss in an free, anonymous, confidential consultation include:

  • How length of absence can affect outcome
  • Mitigating evidence that could reduce the likelihood/severity of punishment including places people might go for medical and other documentation
  • When the military typically issues warrants and the effort they make to search for people
  • Consequences of apprehension by civilian/military authorities
  • Options for return to military control
  • Available legal resources
  • The difference between the article 85 UCMJ charge of desertion (which presumes the intent of never returning or avoiding hazardous or important duty) and simply being in deserter status (gone over thirty days)

GI rights counselors can also provide helpful information regarding absent service members who have been apprehended and may be in temporary custody.