I left from my unit last year in October. We were not being deployed ....I was not trying to avoid the war. My Wife had an affair and with the stress of being a new Soldier, I couldn't handle everything. I took the easy way out and I regret it everyday. I have heard of people re-joining the army after being away for years. I would give anything to re-join the ranks regardless of the rank I am given and do my best to finish what I started. I am not a war resister...nor am I running away to Canda and applying for citizenship. I just want an honest chance to fix the most terrible desicion I have ever made. Any advice on what I can do...please tell me. I was in Vicenza, It as a paratrooper. Before you reply with 'your a coward", please understand that my guilt has been haunting me everyday for the past year...I just want to fix a bad choice.
2007-11-17 07:27:15 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
After 30 days away, you are no longer AWOL (Away WithOut Leave). You are officially classified as a Deserter. Luckily for you we are not officially at war; deserting during war can get the person the death penalty.
Whatever reason you have, your chances at a positive time in the Army or any other service are gone. You will be wanted back only to punish and discharge.
If you are young, consider strongly turning yourself in now. There is no Statute of Limitations on Desertion. The military can come back for you even when you are old and gray. Get it done now before you have a life and a career that would be ruined in the future. Good Luck.
2007-11-17 08:25:51 · answer #1 · answered by jpbofohio 6 · 10⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately after you are gone for a year that isn't AWOL that is desertion. Best bet is get a lawyer. Maybe you can get back in maybe you get sometime. Either way if you are ready face this mistake, then face whats coming and put this behind you. Your stress of the divorce should help you avoid jail time. Just contact a lawyer that specialize in the UCMJ. They can help You more than anyone on this site
2007-11-17 15:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by pillbox_123 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think the stress of wondering when or how someone might decide to find you would be much worse than getting it all out in the open and straightened out and go on from there. The old timers in the family that served in the military didn't have good things to say about deserters.
2007-11-17 21:03:02 · answer #3 · answered by sevemmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have been given a discharge - you are still in the Army. After 30 days you are considered a deserter and a warrant for your arrest is issued.
And when you do return (either by returning voluntarily or in a set of handcuffs) the only interest the Army will have in you is processing you for your discharge (Bad-Conduct if you turn yourself in and Dishonorable if you are caught and brought back).
2007-11-17 18:46:59 · answer #4 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AR 630-10 ; I was just talking about this the other day with a Battle of mine, you can turn yourself in, and will be given a chance to explain why , and you may be able to stay in the Army so really you should turn yourself in.
If you need to know more contact me
Armywife & Soldier ( 42A )
2007-11-18 09:50:49 · answer #5 · answered by Justice35 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yo man Stay Strong and dont let it get to you. What ever happens, happens. Im in the same boat as you but Its only been a few months I left during OSUT i had a knee injury in week 11 and they wanted to put me in a PTRP for 90 days and then restart me back to week 1. I wish I could go back and I plan on turning my self in soon. Good luck man.
2007-11-20 01:43:12 · answer #6 · answered by Sensual Chocolate 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can but it is up to your unit if they kick you out, put you in jail or let you stay. My current unit has 3 soldiers that went AWOL, two for a year one for a month1, all three of them left before they deployed to Iraq. But what happen to you is up to your unit and how much you are willing to fight for it. When you do turn your self in turn your self into your unit or post if you can. Going to the police and telling them you went AWOL will not help you. At Ft. Campbell I know that if you turn your self in they will kick you out no jail time, with general discharge.
2007-11-17 18:07:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you are a coward and if they give you a Bad Conduct Dischage or Dishonorable Discharge you have nobody to blame but YOU.
The military may be short of personel but would you want to serve along someone like you who deserted ?
2007-11-17 16:21:17 · answer #8 · answered by Robert W 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you aren't AWOL, youu are classified as a Deserter now. you will see brig time and be discharged with an RE4 and most likely a BCD.
you handled it wrong, you had plenty of time in the last year to fix this, and you chose not to.
2007-11-18 09:46:25 · answer #9 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tough question. I really don't know but I would tend to doubt it.
But don't take that as Gospel I've been retired since 93 and God knows the military is constantly changing.
Your best bet is to contact a Jag Office,
http://www.jagcnet.army.mil/
2007-11-17 15:34:48 · answer #10 · answered by SFC_Ollie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋