What are the consequences of going AWOL during basic training?
486541
Here's your answer, straight from the UCMJ, followed by come commentary from an old First Shirt:\n\n885. ART. 85. DESERTION \n\n(a) Any member of the armed forces who-- \n\n(1) without authority goes or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to remain away therefrom permanently; \n\n(2) quits his unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to avoid hazardous duty or to shirk important service; or \n\n(3) without being regularly separated from one of the armed forces enlists or accepts an appointment in the same or another on of the armed forces without fully disclosing the fact that he has not been regularly separated, or enters any foreign armed service except when authorized by the United States; is guilty of desertion. \n\n(b) Any commissioned officer of the armed forces who, after tender of his resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits his post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom permanently is guilty of desertion. \n\n(c) Any person found guilty of desertion or attempt to desert shall be punished, if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct, but if the desertion or attempt to desert occurs at any other time, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct. \n\n866. ART. 86. ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE \n\nAny member of the armed forces who, without authority-- \n\n(1) fails to go to his appointed place of duty at the time prescribed; \n\n(2) goes from that place; or \n\n(3) absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed; shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. \n\n\nThe phrase "shall be punished as a court-martial may direct" means any punishment EXCEPT the death penalty.  So, for AWOL, the worst that could happen at a General Court Martial:\n\n1.  Confinement for life\n2.  Reduction to the lowest enlisted grade\n3.  Dishonorable Discharge (or Dismissal for Officers)\n\nThe difference between AWOL and Desertion is intent.  If you absent yourself with the intent to never return, that's desertion.  If there's no intent to be permanently absent, that's AWOL.  \n\nContrary to what some others have stated, there is no timeframe that you must be absent to differentiate between AWOL or Desertion.  While an AWOL of over 30 days is often changed to a charge of Desertion, the actions and intent of the accused are what makes the difference.  \n\nYou could be guilt of Desertion 5 minutes after your depart your place of duty if your intent was to never return and your actions clearly indicated what your intent was. Conversely, you could be just AWOL after even 20 years if you could prove that your intent was NOT to be permanently absent.  Voluntarily turning yourself over to military control, even after a protracted absense, goes a long way to substantiate this claim or intent.\n\nAlthough the potential penalty for AWOL is severe, most cases are disposed of much less severely.  Article 15 is probably the least you could expect.  \n\nSomeone going AWOL during basic training MIGHT be given an uncharacterized release from active duty if it's within 180 days of their TAFMSD.  That's pretty lenient since it does not bear any stigma or record of conviction.  On balance, there are no VA benefits attached to that type of release.  It's NOT a discharge.
576163
Joining the Air Force was the best thing I ever did for myself -- I loved it.  The Air Force is one of the more "intellectual" branches of the military (no offense to the others).  It's just a lot more cushy, but that's not everyone's thing.  If you want to sleep out in the wild during your field exercises, go Army or Marines.  If you want to stay in a nice hotel-like room during your deployments (complete with maid service) then the AF is for you (my brother was in the Army while I was in the AF, and he just hated the unequal treatment, but the mission is just different for the various branches so the lifestyle is as well).  Bit it wasn't all peachy keen when I was in, we had our field exercises and mock-wartime scenarios to contend with, too, but for the most part it wasn't all that tough.  I'm not opposed to doing my part when wartime arises, but the reality is that the Air Force is probably a safer branch of the military when that arises.  I just can't say enough good things about it, the opportunities are so great and I think everyone would be better off having experienced any military service, not just the Air Force.
46878
I can't say for sure what you should do. I don't think anyone should stay in a relationship they aren't ready to give %100 for. But I will say this. If he is still in training, WAIT UNTIL HE GRADUATES! I'm speaking from personal experience here. When I went through basic, one of the guys in my platoon was not coping well with the experience. The drill sergeants were riding him pretty hard and he seemed depressed all the time. One day he got a Dear John letter from home, that coupled with the high-stress environment was enough to push him over the edge. He shot himself in the head two days later on the 9mm range. If you do decide to end it, wait until he graduates basic and comes home on leave. If he is feeling suicidal when he gets to his unit, he is much more likely to get help than if he is in basic.
820756
How about looking for a military manual that covers the training for the airborne?\n\nBe sure to include as one of the items "Mental evaluation"....why  anyone would jump out of a perfectly good airplane is beyond me!
288180
Up until you get on the bus or plane to boot camp you can change your mind. Check my link...
280340
I am not in the army but have worked on bases overseas for many years. There are definite benefits for joining the armed forces like a steady job, no rent, ultilities, health care bills, etc. You can go overseas and have interesting life experiences. It could help you figure out what you want to do with you life and provide you future career and education options.\nHowever, I have seen many bad things about the army. It is a difficult life. Depending on the job, you could have extremely long hours. There is a lot of drinking, sleezing around and promiscous behavior in general. You may be assigned to a job that you don't want and have no choice in the matter. You could die.\n\nI would go back to college if I were you and try to find an area that interests you. Having a college degree opens up so many doors that will remain shut until you have the degree, even in the military. If you really want to go into the armed forces, I would recommend the air force over the army. The quality of life, general level of education of its members, and overall organization seems to be much higher on air force bases. I have lived on army, air force and naval installations. \n\nLet me know if I can be of further assistance.
681495
So you decided to become a sea going bell hop.....\n\nFirst off I want to say you might have made the best decision or the worst decision in your life. The military isn’t for everybody. First things first you got to get to MEPs once your there they will give a physical and ask you some questions. Once you get to boot camp you’re going to think this was a bad idea. Just remain calm and don’t panic and keep your mind on the task at hand boot is one of the most important events in your military life when you get into trouble where ever you are you will automatically go back to your most basic training. So pay attention! Secondly don’t get pissed off at your drill instructors they may seem to hate you but just remember they hate every one equally and they are just there to help you. First they will try and make themselves the enemy so that your unit will bond with each other, most people think they try to break you this is false. They try and make you hate them so much that you will wish they were dead. At this point you just need to obey and you need friends. If you alienate your self in boot camp you will only find your self alone. Alone you are vulnerable and you will not make it. Near the end of boot you’ll notice a change in your drill instructors they become like your family with a mother a father and a big brother try and figure out their roles to understand how they will react. \n\nAs for advice in dealing with your parents, this will be the hardest part you’ll need people back home that support you they need to have enough respect for you that you can make your own decisions as an adult. Yes Bush is an Idiot, but at the same time as a sailor, marine, soldier, or airman you can’t choose who and when you want to serve. That is something that some one out side of the military cant understands. Say for example that you joined up before the Iraq war or even before 9/11 you can’t say I am not going to war. You just have to make the best out of your situation you have to tell your self how can I make this better how can I improve this situation. One of the best qualities about Marines is their ability to improvise, when you are fighting a war that you don’t agree with just see what you can do to make it better, a lot of people do this every day most just feel that they are fighting for their buddies to keep them alive. Just remember that you can’t second guess you’re self that you have to do the job or you or a friend will not make it home. No pressure right? On top of that you may never see Iraq. The best advice I can give you in the field is if you’re in the infantry trust in your friends not your weapon remember it is made by the lowest bidder. \n\nAll in all joining the military is a unique experience one that will help you on your way to opening a business just look at the rise in companies after the second world war hence why they are called the “Greatest Generation.” We just have to have a positive out look on a very negative situation maybe just maybe our boys and girls coming home will be like that generation.
54886
Absent Without Leave (AWOL)
325787
Basic training is just that, after that your schooling varies depending on MOS. Some technical fields require more schooling. It won't be fun I can assure you, but don't let it get to you, life is different after basic. Not much better, but better just the same. Do your stuff, and try not to get noticed. It is best if they don't know your name.
1162928
if hes found he could get in trouble not severe though. i used to work in the brig at camp pendleton and escorted awol detainees.\nit all depends on what he's done with himself since he went ua\nup until the 4th week hes not awol yet. ask yourself these questions 1 how long has he been in service? if less than a year,cannot conform to military lifestyle. my advice is tell him to lay low stay away from any thing to do with trouble, because the way the military works now is that they use your social security number to find you mostly by a police stoppage. about employment employers do not have the clearance to check military records unless its a gov job,local city state or federal.he dosent even have to claim a veteran status.tell him to stay out of trouble and get a job fast,there is a discharge called a good of service discharge,it works like this, if he gets employment to care for family and has not been a slacker ,if found it is possible to get time served and a good of service discharge.if there are family problems that he just had to take care of he could get an admin separation.  bottom line is the longer hes away the better it will be for him if they do find him.
770738
You can get out during DEP.  Simply request to be released from your contract.  Your recruiter might freak out, but that's life.
480597
it all depends on the charge and the branch of service, you can have a summary court martial for going UA (unauthorized abscense) to drugs or murder. The time you can serve well 30 yrs to life, it all depends on the charge
8484
We had two airmen who left during basic from my flight for being gay.  Typically, the Air Force has so little invested in you at that stage of your career that it makes no sense for them to do anything other than give you an administrative discharge and send you on your way.  You could also simply fail the physical requirements, or a number of other tests they give you.  "Failure to adapt to military life" is a valid reason for discharge as well.
1041319
Since you have a year to prepare, you should be in good shape before you leave.  My advice is that you start doing physical training on your own now.  Push ups, sit ups, pull ups, running, weights, and anything else that you can think of to strengthen your body.  If you are physically prepared for Basic, then you will be more able to contend with the mental and emotional abuse that you will suffer.  I would also suggest that you familiarize yourself with firearms early.  Learn how they feel when they go off, how they sound, and most importantly, how different fire arms operate.  Learn to break them down and clean them properly.  If you have this info before you leave, then you will be more prepared when you begin this in basic.  \nLearn to eat fast, and prepare yourself for a three meal, no snack day.  If you are used to eating three meals and two snacks per day you will feel hungry all the time at basic.  If you usually skip breakfast, you will feel weighted down during the morning hours at basic, and find yourself lacking the energy to make it through till lunch.  I also suggest that you learn to eat standing up (the last ones in the lunch room earn kitchen detail), so you will want to go  (with your tray while eating) from the food line to the exit line.  \nNow, of everything that I have said, the most important is the physical aspect.  If you are physically unprepared, you will have a much harder time with basic...\nGood Luck\n\nK
994030
There really is no guarenteed way.  Some commanders will kick you out for the smallest thing, others will keep you in just out of spite.  Those that do kick you out, may know that your doing or did whatever just to get kicked out so will give you the dishonorable discharge just so you don't get 100% of what you wanted.  \n\nThe best choice that you can do is stay in a suck it up.  The average enlistment is 4 years, same as college and after you can do something related to your MOS regardless if you did it while you were in, and regardless of how much of a POS you were.  Plus you get life long VA benifits, a GI bill, and the self-respect to know you didn't quit.  \n\nIf you quit, you get what?  A fu-ked up record, no job, (and I would fire you on the spot if I heard you got kicked out regardless of discharge status, and I am not alone on that belief), and a life of regret?\n\nJust don't leave your room, miss every formation, and just say you can take the stress anymore.  Mental discharge..., sounds like you fit the profile already anyway..., reposting the same question everytime it expires...?  \n\nJust grow up and take it like a man!
735655
Yes.  I was deployed to Iraq for 12 months.  I got home back in Jan. of this year.  Being that I was the one who was there; I don't really notice any changes in myself.  But other people have told me that I'm a lot more laid back than I used to be.  Before I went over seas I used to get pissed over anything and everything, and now apparently; I don't sweat the small shit.\nYes, I would absolutely do it again.  Being over there was a wonderful experience.  Don't get me wrong; I had my fair share of "bad days", but looking back I wouldn't change any of the choices that I've made.  And that includes enlisting.
1033806
regret NO WAY! I joined streight out of High School, boot camp, then to A school, went to BUDs and washed out the last day of hell week. went to a ship and to the first gulf war, saw many places and had a ship collision at sea, Lived in Singapore for 6mo, and apon returning to Pearl tried BUDs again, yes Its worth it, thats all I will say about that, placed with a SDV unit then with a SWTAB unit, Got out of active duity, went to reserves with a ASU unit then finished up with a SeaBee unit. \n RULE one in life (you make it so make it good)\nPeople say NAVY (never again volunteer yourself) B.S. You learn to Volunteer first to get a task you can do and not be given a task to do. It shows you will take a challange and do your best and it will be noted. Bravo Zulu My Friends, and Anchors Away.