3 years ago I was 21 and just entering Airborne training. I was given 20,000 sign on bonus and a 20,000 college assistance bonus before entering. I never recieved these because soon after I went AWOL and now I guess I'm a deserter but I talked to my recruiter last week and he said I can't be considered a deserter because I never made it to my Unit. I was only in the army for 5 months before leaving (going Awol). My reasons are just excuses I believe in my heart that I am worthless for doing this and I don't deserve to be in the greatest country in the world. My recruiter has no idea what my status is. You see I was pulled over once and recieved a speeding ticket. I have bought a vehicle and I have had backround checks run on me by employers. I have a very good job and have had it for 3 years and now I am going through depression spells realizing I am a loser for doing what I did. I drank to much this weekend and got arrested for a disorderly and I still did not get arrested????????????
2007-09-28 07:45:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I never recieved money or bonuses
2007-09-28 07:59:14 · update #1
You need to approach the Army and straighten this out. Just because they haven't come after you yet doesn't mean they're not going to figure this out at some point.
At my former assignment, we prosecuted an E-3 who had been in deserter status for 22 years. The personnel folks hadn't filed him properly, and when they discovered their error AFOSI did an online search and found him. Agents apprehended him that DAY and he was given a general court-martial.
Talk to a civilian attorney and get this worked out. If he arranges your surrender, the penalties are a lot lower than if they catch you (desertion terminated by apprehension is much worse than desertion terminated by voluntary return to military control). Your attorney may be able to negotiate an administrative discharge (under other than honorable conditions) instead of a court-martial. It'll kill your veteran's benefits (not that you're using any), but it's not a conviction.
Go see a criminal defense attorney with a clue about military law. Do NOT work this out with the military yourself.
2007-09-28 07:56:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your situation surprises me. Generally, the AWOL would have placed a warrant out for your arrest. They won't pursue it but if the law is ever drawn to your attention, they will find the warrant and arrest you. This is what happened to my son who went AWOL between basic and AIT. He was arrested and taken to Oklahoma for out processing with dishonorable discharge. He later became a security guard so the stigma didn't stick as much as I thought it would.
As for feeling like a loser, I have another son that feels that way because he was kicked out during basic because he didn't fit in. Please don't feel bad about yourself. The military lifestyle is inhumane in many ways. They dehumanize the soldier in the supposed attempt to build a team mentality that you can rely upon each other in combat. If you aren't emotionally strong enough to handle their abusive treatment, then you leave. It doesn't mean that you are a loser, just that you are more human than they are and don't want to be treated like a piece of dirt. However, I do believe that your AWOL will eventually catch up with you. I'm surprised it hasn't. Maybe you will not ever be apprehended. I don't know. It is not like the military to just let it slide.
2007-09-28 14:57:29 · answer #2 · answered by rac 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, count your lucky stars for not getting in trouble with the police! Do you think it's because you were in the service?
At any rate, if you are feeling down in the dumps, you should seek help from a therapist. I bet what you didn't wasn't easy, and I'm sure you feel crappy about doing it, but I'm sure there isn't one person in the service who's thought about getting up and leaving. Maybe there was a better way to leave though? You have to live with that. So see a therapist!
If you have a good job, you shouldn't mess it up with having a record for being disorderly.
I hope you feel better ~hug~
2007-09-28 14:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea how to help you. But do some Google searches on the internet, there are many groups that can help. Maybe use terms like awol deserter help.
I doubt they'll hunt you down, there are just too many like you. But they would like you to walk back in and turn yourself in. It would be better to talk to a lawyer first. You have to decide what's right for yourself. Good luck.
2007-09-28 14:57:49 · answer #4 · answered by Middleclassandnotquiet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need an attorney that specializes in this field...
2007-09-28 15:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Empress Jan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋