Who Deserts, and Why

WHAT'S A DESERTER? The military defines a deserter as a member of the service who is absent from his or her post without permission for more than 30 consecutive days. Before that, the soldier is considered to be absent without leave, or AWOL. A desertion conviction also generally requires proof the soldier never intended to return to duty.

WHO DESERTS? According to a 2002 Army report, deserters tend to be first-year, low-ranking soldiers; the main motives are family or marital issues, financial problems and inability to adjust to military life and authority.

WHAT'S THE PRICE? According to the Army report, replacing the first-year desertions is costly in money and morale. Though the report said few deserters are actually sent to jail, it noted that less-than-honorable discharges often mean a deserter loses rank and benefits, can't get a federal job or home loan, and may be looked at less favorably by potential employers.


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Who Deserts, and Why
10/30/2004
Associated Press