What happens if a soldier leaves the army
What is the difference between desertion and absence without leave (AWOL)?
So, you're wondering what happens when a soldier just up and leaves. The whole thing really comes down to two words: AWOL and desertion. AWOL—that's Absence Without Leave—is basically when someone's not where they're supposed to be, but they plan on coming back. Maybe they slept in, got stuck somewhere, just messed up. It's temporary, you know? Desertion though? That's a whole different beast. That's when a soldier leaves and they have zero intention of ever coming back. Or maybe they're trying to dodge some dangerous duty. The big difference is what's going on in their head. Under military law, the UCMJ, desertion is a straight-up felony. AWOL is usually a misdemeanor. But honestly? Both can wreck your life pretty bad.
What are the immediate consequences for a soldier who goes AWOL?
The second a soldier goes AWOL, things move fast. Their unit declares them "Absent Without Leave" and boom—everything kicks off. Pay stops immediately. Like, right then. No more housing allowance, no medical care, no nothing. The military starts looking for them, reports it to law enforcement. When they finally get back—or get caught—they're usually thrown in pretrial confinement or put on restriction. Then comes the court-martial. Punishment can be anything from losing rank and money to a dishonorable discharge. And yeah, prison time too. Up to two years for AWOL, depending on how long they were gone and what happened.
What happens if a soldier deserts the army?
Desertion is where things get really scary. We're talking about the harshest penalties in the military justice system. A conviction means a dishonorable discharge, losing every penny of pay and allowances, and up to five years in prison during peacetime. Now, if there's a war going on? The maximum penalty is death. That hasn't happened since World War II, but it's still on the books. A deserter ends up with a permanent criminal record, loses all veterans' benefits, and good luck finding a decent job in the civilian world. The military issues a warrant, and cops can arrest them anytime, anywhere.
What are the long-term effects on a soldier's career and life after leaving?
The long-term stuff? It's huge. Whether someone leaves via AWOL, desertion, or even an honorable discharge, it changes everything. For those who screw up and leave wrong, the fallout is brutal.
| Outcome | Impact on Career | Impact on Benefits | Impact on Civilian Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honorable Discharge | Positive reference; eligible for re-enlistment | Full VA benefits, GI Bill, home loans | Strong career prospects; veteran preference |
| General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions) | May be eligible for some roles; re-enlistment possible but rare | Most VA benefits available; GI Bill may be limited | Some employers may ask about discharge type |
| Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge | Typically barred from re-enlistment | Most VA benefits lost; no GI Bill | Significant stigma; difficulty in law enforcement, government jobs |
| Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) | Barred from re-enlistment; permanent record | All VA benefits lost | Severe employment barriers; criminal record |
| Dishonorable Discharge | Barred from re-enlistment; federal crime | All VA benefits lost; cannot own firearms | Extreme stigma; comparable to a felony conviction |
Now, for soldiers who leave the right way—like through an honorable discharge—things can be pretty good. They get to keep the GI Bill for school, VA home loans, healthcare. But even then, it's not all sunshine. Adjusting to civilian life is tough. Finding a job that uses their skills? Hard. And then there's stuff like PTSD and other mental health issues that don't just disappear.
Checklist for a Soldier Considering Leaving the Army
- Figure out the whole AWOL versus desertion thing.
- Leaving without permission? That's a crime under the UCMJ.
- Think about how this will mess up your career and benefits down the road.
- Talk to a JAG officer before you do anything stupid.
- Look into proper ways out—hardship discharge, conscientious objector, stuff like that.
- Reach out to your chain of command or a chaplain. Seriously.
- If your head's not right, use military mental health resources.
- Coming back on your own? That can make things way less bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a soldier be charged with desertion for being AWOL for a long time?
Yeah, absolutely. If someone's gone for a while, the military might bump it up to desertion. It's all about what they were thinking. If the military can prove they meant to ditch the service for good, they're looking at desertion charges, no matter how long they were actually gone.
What happens to a soldier's pay and benefits when they go AWOL?
Pay stops day one. No exceptions. Housing, medical, education stuff—all suspended. And if they get convicted, they might have to give back any pay they earned while they were gone, plus pay fines on top of that.
Is it possible to return to the army after going AWOL?
Honestly? Almost impossible. If someone goes AWOL and gets convicted, they'll get a discharge that's less than honorable. That means no re-enlistment. In really rare cases, if the absence was short and they had a good reason, they might get to stay after some punishment. But that's not the norm.
What should a soldier do if they want to leave the army legally?
Talk to your chain of command and a JAG officer. That's step one. They can help with options like hardship discharge, conscientious objector status, or medical separation. If someone's close to the end of their contract, just waiting it out for an honorable discharge is the smartest, safest move.
Short Summary
- Legal Distinction: AWOL is a temporary absence, while desertion is a permanent departure with intent to avoid service, carrying felony charges.
- Immediate Consequences: Pay stops, benefits are suspended, and the soldier faces a court-martial leading to prison time and a bad discharge.
- Long-Term Impact: A less-than-honorable discharge results in loss of all VA benefits, a permanent criminal record, and severe employment difficulties.
- Proper Exit: Soldiers should pursue legal separation routes like hardship discharge or medical retirement to protect their future and benefits.
