U.S. Soldiers Gone AWOL.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than a dozen American troops haven't return to duty after getting a vacation from Iraq, the Pentagon said Tuesday, dismissing suggestions there is any significant AWOL problem.

Sixteen of some 3,000 troops failed to show up at airports in Baltimore and Germany for return flights to the Persian Gulf region, said Army spokesman Joe Burlas. None has been declared "absent without leave" as officials try to sort out the cases.



Stupid ass army, this is what they get for starting pointless bull# #in wars.

Linkeepoo


I don't blame those 16 soldiers for going AWOL. Cowardly, but damn, I still don't blame them for #.

[Edited on 10-23-2003 by 10DeadInside10]

What kind of charges would those AWOL soldiers get if they're caught?

In my right hand, I have the top 5 list of punishments for soldiers who go AWOL

5. Have to watch the movie Gigli
4. Rumsfeld makes them his "sex toys"
3. Become Human Toilet Paper For Bush
2. Have to spend a week with Carrot Top

And the #1 punishment for soldiers who go AWOL is
Give Barbara Bush a Sponge Bath

AWOL, most likely an Article 15. If they stay out for desertion, Leavenworth.

Let me clue you in, you with your all knowing mind that ignores the reality that war has been brought to us for years, we just now fight back, AWOL is nothing new, it even happens during peace time.

I suppose you don't or haven't served, but this is a non-issue. Just another attempt by the media to make something an issue of demoralization. Of course, some will jump all over it and try and make something of it.

Even if you thought the war was just, people will still not want to go back into harm's way. Human instinct tell us not to go there.

My brother went Awol in the gulf and caused himself a load of #. Fortunately he turned up after being on the piss with one of his mates.

TC is correct, AWOL usually gets you an article 15, and even a less than honorable discharge. 16 out of 3000 is not really that big a deal. When you consider my battalion had 530 people, and we had about 18 Awols, during peacetime, there were actually more of them then going AWOL. It happens, for various reasons, some people simply go nuts, some people want to give up and be hippies, ect. Happens quite often.

However, TC, regardless, its not the AWOLs that are proof of demoralization, it is alot more things, and this demoralization was hapopening long ebfore this war started, but this war is reallly killing our already low and dying morale. You seem to forget TC......

This isnt the army YOU served in, its a totally different ballgame with totally different rules, and a totally different mindset.

Had you served after the first gulf war and into the 90s and the Clinton nightmare and seen what was done, you would change your thinking REAL quick.

The prrof of long term demoralization was in the huge exodous of senior, experienced, well trained, outstanding leaders and soldiers who left the army in the 90s because they got tired of the bull# that was suddenly sprining up, and went to the civilian world, where the economy was rocking.

And probably will grow with each rotation.
Regardless of the touchy feely aspects of military life now, it's rudderless policy and extreme disrespect for the professional military ( by pay cuts/lack of increase, benefits) that has had the re-up numbers way down. Not to mention the obvious potential of death or injury in being a proxy army for corporate interests affecting AWOL & re-enlistment/enlistment numbers.

I know I'm not the only one who noticed the ever present recruiting booth at every theme park or festival this summer.

we knew this was gonna happen. i am surprised it did not happen sooner. im not saying its right but it was gonna happen

TC and the Evil_Elf are correct basicly an article 15 and some other than a honoralbe discharge. We had 2 in our unit go AWOL right before we left for the Gulf in 90. One returned after the war and got some minor jail time and booted out.

Even if there are 46 that did not return there are always those that join up for the college money but don't ever think that they would have to do their job and go to war. I had several young men that did not want to do anything other than serve their time and then go to college.

If you claim insanity or mental disorder can you leave with an honorable discharge?

AWOL is nothing new, it even happens during peace time.

This is a correct and accurate statement. And cowardice, or political reasons, aren't the only reasons for it's occurance. There are as many reasons for it, as there are for anything else...including, quite simply, missing the plane....

Originally posted by Thomas Crowne
AWOL, most likely an Article 15. If they stay out for desertion, Leavenworth.

Let me clue you in, you with your all knowing mind that ignores the reality that war has been brought to us for years, we just now fight back, AWOL is nothing new, it even happens during peace time.

I suppose you don't or haven't served, but this is a non-issue. Just another attempt by the media to make something an issue of demoralization. Of course, some will jump all over it and try and make something of it.

Even if you thought the war was just, people will still not want to go back into harm's way. Human instinct tell us not to go there.

Regardless, I still find it some funny #.

You guys really think that all that would happen is an Article 15? I mean, i can see if someone is on leave and they stay in Vegas for an extra day or two, that would merit an Article 15, but being AWOL when you are set to return to the desert would probably garner a little stiffer penalty...theyre lucky that we aren't technically still at war or they could be killed for that.

Back when I was in the USN, if you were gone without permission for 72 hours or less, you were "UA" (unauthorized absence) and the CO could deal with you however he wanted.

More than 3 days but less than 30 was AWOL (away without official leave) and the Squadron Commander was notified, but the CO of the ship could still deal with you if you came back before 30 days.

30 days or more and you were listed as "deserter" status, and your name was forwarded to the FBI, NCIS and all the other DoD criminal investigative units.

There used to be joint offices in every major metro region (we had on based in Newport, Rhode Island) where joint Army/Navy/Air Force personnel would physically hunt down deserters know to be in the area.

People went UA all the time.

People went AWOL infrequently...most of them always showed back up on the 29th day

Nobody wants to be a stinking deserter.

Originally posted by Thomas Crowne
AWOL, most likely an Article 15. If they stay out for desertion, Leavenworth.

Let me clue you in, you with your all knowing mind that ignores the reality that war has been brought to us for years, we just now fight back, AWOL is nothing new, it even happens during peace time.

I suppose you don't or haven't served, but this is a non-issue. Just another attempt by the media to make something an issue of demoralization. Of course, some will jump all over it and try and make something of it.

Even if you thought the war was just, people will still not want to go back into harm's way. Human instinct tell us not to go there.

Actually since they decided to go AWOL (UA for Marines) their punishment will be put up a notch. Being because we are in conflict or war at the moment.

If those servicemembers decide to be long enought to become deserters. It is punishable by DEATH once they are found.

Although given what is going on right now..I doubt they will get that.

They will probably serve their time in the brig and be forgeited their money.

Also slap a bad discharge on them.

i thought the last time someone was executed for desertion was during WW2, didnt they stop doing it after that?

Originally posted by 10DeadInside10
What kind of charges would those AWOL soldiers get if they're caught?

During time of war AWOL is considered to be Desertion. Meaning lotsa time at Leavenworth (military prison). Not a pleasant thing.

Originally posted by ktprktpr
If you claim insanity or mental disorder can you leave with an honorable discharge?

Medical discharge.

Originally posted by namehere
i thought the last time someone was executed for desertion was during WW2, didnt they stop doing it after that?

that is the last time yes..

but its still in effect..

Originally posted by EastCoastKid

Originally posted by ktprktpr
If you claim insanity or mental disorder can you leave with an honorable discharge?

Medical discharge.

Yes..you will get a discharge like that..its is not suggested to lie and go for it...its hard enought trying to get a job with a bad disconduct...

but people thinking that you are loony..yeah..you are going to get a respectable job..