AWOL

[Homicidalheathen]

Anyone have any experience in this? A friend just told me you cannot get in touch with a military lawyer on your own that the chaplin has to do it for you?

How do I get this kid some help on this. We don't know what to do. It has only been a couple weeks so far. I am afraid if he has to do any time he will keep hiding and screw up his future for good. Does he have to do time?

[Steven]

all of your questions are speculative at best - because he'll be at the mercy of the military powers that be. And being that this is a war-time tour - it could be heavy.

I've known several awol cases when I was a Soldier - most of them ended up in either Article 15's (your friend knows what that is - and I've gotten one myself) or in Dishonerable discharges. I know one gal who went AWOL in Kentucky and got popped a year later in California.

Bottom line - he's on the run. You cant fight fate and this person WILL definately get popped in time. With everything linked via computer networks these days - especially because of terrorist threats - a simple trip to renew his liscense or pay a parking ticket could finger him. The longer the wait the worse the end result. He needs to return to his duty station and deal with what comes - in the end it will make his life much easier (long term). And yes - he could contact a base chaplain - but they dont really have that much pull. The bottom line is that he's illegally seperated himself from his unit - there's no way to avoid that.

And - there is also the very real fact that he has abandoned his fellow soldiers, which creates trust issues with both himself and with other troops. In the military machine - you cant have that - especially in wartime. Even if he did time - its better than being a runner and having that haunt you for life - and having your self esteem crippled. We need to own what we do - good and bad.

Whats this guys story? Age? Duty Station? Did he split because he was scared to go to Iraq? If he wants to talk to someone you can email me privately and I'll give you my phone number.

PS - this is a good topical post for future reference.

I've heard many angry young people complain about their situation in the Military - saying "this is not what I signed up for - I just needed money for college"

I have news for you folks:

Unless you were drafted - you stepped forward and said that you would be a soldier. You have exchanged your private life to one of being government property. You are NOT in charge of your world, it IS dangerous, you CAN die, people DO hate you, you just might HAVE to kill, and it WILL stretch you to your limits and beyond. Your tour is NOT over until they release you - your contract does not mean shit - there is a clause stating that the government can make changes at will - to include where you will be stationed, what your job will be, etc. This is the life of a soldier. Get real with it. You are part of the machine. If you step up - someone's life will be in your hands - possibly civilian, probably military, possibly both. This is honerable. Do not violate it. Do not look upon it lightly.

And most of all - if you are not willing to accept what I just told you - DO NOT SIGN UP.

Steven

[Soulrev]

once you join the military they own your soul. If I were to join I wouldn't dare go awol.. I'd rather rob a bank than attempt running from the government.

[Homicidalheathen]

Well If one of you is praying for me and mine, thanks. Miracles have been happening this week.

My godson is too colored blind and got a medical discharge after getting tested for the 2nd time. Guess it was more than just the reds and greens or something.

And....everything else is going better too....

Just curious If I was in anyone's thoughts.

[Dollardave]

You're always in my thoughts and Klaus and your kids Rochelle hope it works out on the AWOL

Well If one of you is praying for me and mine, thanks.  Miracles have been happening this week.

My godson is too colored blind and got a medical discharge after getting tested for the 2nd time.  Guess it was more than just the reds and greens or something.

And....everything else is going better too....

Just curious If I was in anyone's thoughts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Troy Spiral (13)]

I dont want to make any judements, i just hope things work out. =)