What does the military term AWOL mean?

absent from
: absent from the armed forces without permission broadly : absent or missing. See the full definition for AWOL in the English Language Learners Dictionary.

How long before a soldier is considered AWOL?

30 days
Traditionally, AWOL simply meant that a soldier was not present for duty. Service members who are AWOL for more than 30 days can be listed as deserters. The offense is typically associated with intentionally slipping away from one’s duty station, but disappearances that involve foul play complicate the practice.

What is the difference between AWOL and Mia?

If you disappear from a battle in a war, you are MIA. This acronym stands for “missing in action.” In civilian use, MIA often refers to a person dropping out of an activity. “AWOL” stands for “absence without official leave.” This means a soldier is missing from duty without permission.

Does the military look for AWOL soldiers?

The Army will essentially be creating a “missing category,” according to the chief. “[Soldiers] only become AWOL after a thorough investigation, a thorough look for the soldier, dealing with the family, dealing with law enforcement [and] we can prove that they are absent without leave,” McConville said.

What is the definition of AWOL in the military?

Definitions From the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The terms AWOL and Desertion can be easy to confuse. Unauthorized absence from the military falls under three articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Article 85, Desertion; Article 86, AWOL; and Article 87, Missing Movement. Of the three, desertion is the most serious offense.

What does canalize mean in the military dictionary?

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: canalize. To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing or reinforcing obstacles or by fire or bombing.

What is the difference between AWOL and desertion in the military?

The terms AWOL and Desertion can be easy to confuse. Unauthorized absence from the military falls under three articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Article 85, Desertion; Article 86, AWOL; and Article 87, Missing Movement.

Are there any punishments for going AWOL in the military?

It is unlikely that a person who has been AWOL or in desertion status would receive the maximum punishment upon return to military control, except in the most aggravating circumstances (such as if someone went AWOL and then went on a crime spree).