Enlisting in the National Guard is a serious commitment, a pledge to serve your community and country. But what happens if that commitment is broken, and you find yourself absent without leave? Understanding what happens if you are AWOL in the National Guard is crucial for anyone considering this path or who might be contemplating such a decision.
The Initial Steps When You’re AWOL
When a National Guard member fails to report for duty without proper authorization, they are considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL). The immediate aftermath of being AWOL involves a systematic process initiated by their unit. Initially, efforts will be made to contact the individual through various means, including phone calls, emails, and potentially visits to their last known address. This is not an immediate jump to severe punishment; rather, it’s an attempt to ascertain the member’s whereabouts and the reason for their absence. The importance of communication cannot be overstated here; ignoring contact attempts will only exacerbate the situation.
If contact is not established or the absence continues, the individual will be formally declared AWOL. This triggers a more official process. Depending on the circumstances and the duration of the absence, several actions can be taken:
- An investigation into the reasons for the absence.
- A formal reprimand or counseling.
- Potential loss of pay and benefits for the period of absence.
- A requirement to make up missed training.
In more severe or prolonged cases, particularly if there’s no legitimate explanation or the member actively avoids rejoining, the situation can escalate significantly. The following table outlines potential consequences based on the duration of the AWOL status:
| Duration of Absence | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|
| Short-term (e.g., a few days) | Counseling, reprimand, make-up training, loss of pay. |
| Medium-term (e.g., weeks) | Formal disciplinary action, potential for non-judicial punishment, impact on future promotions. |
| Long-term (e.g., months) | Dishonorable discharge, potential for court-martial, inability to re-enlist in any branch of the military. |
It’s important to recognize that the National Guard operates under both federal and state laws, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs military conduct. Being AWOL is a violation of these codes, and the penalties are designed to uphold the integrity and readiness of the Guard. The seriousness of being AWOL is reflected in the tiered approach to consequences, with the goal often being to correct the behavior if possible, but with firm penalties for persistent disregard of duty.
If you or someone you know is facing a situation involving being AWOL in the National Guard, understanding the detailed procedures and potential outcomes is critical. For comprehensive information on military justice and regulations, consulting the official guidelines and directives of the National Guard is the most reliable approach.