AWOL

"Absence Without Leave" refers to either desertion or a temporary absence. Someone is considered AWOL if:

• By leaving or remaining absent from their unit, organization, or place of duty, where there has been a determined intent to not return;
• If that intent is determined to be to avoid hazardous duty or shirk contractual obligation;
• If they enlist or accept an appointment in the same or another branch of service without disclosing the fact that they have not been properly separated from current service.