Why do so many troops go awol?

Question

Do the military Recruiters "Gloss" over the truth?

Answer 1

The commitment to any endeavor at the top of an organization will be reflected to those at the bottom of an enterprise. When you have the executive branch all gun ho about going to war, and then not following through with strategic support and ample supplies and resources, do you think that will really bode well for soldier morale? When you have a Presidential administration maintain a posture and spew rhetoric embodying toughness and bravery and then have soldier’s restrained in combat situations because of PC rules, do you think that soldiers will appreciate that?

The great divide that exists between the words of our administration and military heads, and their actions, I think justifies the lack of loyalty that exists in the minds of many of the soldiers. If little fidelity exists in this administration to equip our soldiers with the proper tools to succeed, and if the administration deceives the soldiers and the public into thinking we are doing something noble when it is not, than I see nothing wrong with the soldiers betraying their call. If the administration is in dereliction of duty, what right do they have to call the soldiers to account for being in dereliction of theirs? I personally think going AWOL is the most ethical thing to do when your country is using their military might not for the righteous purpose of protecting the homeland, but instead to fill the bank accounts of those who profit off of the military industrial complex, while doing so at the expense of innocent lives and soldier’s lives.

Why do recruiters gloss over this fact? Simple. They are salesmen first and foremost. Salesmen are rarely known for being ethical or honest in their practices. They are given financial incentives to gloss over the negative aspects of the military. That is why you will never see a recruiter play up the harsh realities of war, but instead they will focus on the supposed strength and character the military instills in recruits; the job and educational opportunities available; and they will portray the military as a great venue for travel and adventure.

The entire system is just sad. From the top down we have deceit at all levels – from the recruiter up to the highest office in the land. What is the price of these lies? It’s the most expensive thing of all – the lives of our children. Is it worth it? I think the soldiers that go AWOL have asked this question and they know the answer is no. I happen to agree with them.

Answer 2

When you look at the percentages, there aren't many AWOL's. The media just zero's in on them hoping to get a "Big Story" on mistreatment by the military.

There is no Draft. The U.S. has had an All-Volunteer force for over 30 years. Those who go AWOL or Desert don't understand commitment, and don't think that they should be held accountable for their actions. They feel that they should be able to walk off when they stop having fun. With information access the way it is, anyone can get any legitimate information available. Nearly everyone has a relative or friend who would "tell them like it is". You are not forced in, and, believe it or not, there are Legal ways to get out. It may take time, but you would get to keep most if not all of the benefits as someone who does his/her time.

Answer 3

Actually, it's not "so many" troops that go AWOL. The majority of those serving in the military never go AWOL. The few who do end up going AWOL are often not prepared for military life, have personal problems, are irresponsible, or have witnessed such disturbing things in war that they develop mental problems.

Answer 4

war is hard and doing tour after tour can not be good for their mental health.it is not easy killing people and fighting for your life everyday.I'm sure they probably just could not handle the stress any more and needed a break .but they also signed a contract and should follow through with the commitment they agreed to .
may god bless them all and keep them safe.

Answer 5

no those that go awol are losers that have been babied all there lives.
in school and at home..
and the real world scairs them.
i call it the pussifacation of america

Answer 6

Join the military, spend a couple years in, get deployed and come up with your own assessment. It's the same reason civilians quit or find new jobs- they are sick and tired of the bullshit- or they're a big puss.

Answer 7

What do you mean by so many? Where's your documentation, or did you just pull that crap out of the air?

Answer 8

Don't know, they must have a visit to hell or something.