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How would you feel if someone you cared about went AWOL -- Absent WithOut Leave - or deserted, I suppose for my European friends --- from the military?

I wouldn't judge them or blame them.......

If they don't want to fight an unregulated police military action, then don't make them....

Honestly, that's my feeling. I care about him and I hate for him to be so miserable.

i wouldnt judge them because there would be a reason. Would be interested in background

were they doing unvlountarily- National Service as in some countries/

Or chosen career

I would give them 24 hours to do what is right, then I would call the police. If they were not a friend, they wouldn't give them the 24 hours.



When you join the service, you don't get to pick and choose what war to fight in. If you took the sign-up bous, accepted the monthy pay...then refuse to do your job, when called upon, you are a traitor to your country.

This is coming from a Vietnam vet!!

As A vet myself I would report them to the nearest Provost Marshal, They volunteered to go into the Military knowing the hazzards and when in should do their duty.

As former military, I would first advise him to turn himself in. If he did not I would report him.

It would depend on his reasons. If you found yourself harming innocents in an immoral war, for instance, you would be morally obliged to opt out of service. If you deserted because you got bored - or just didn't like military life - that would be different. Incidentally, there's no need for desertion. You can easily get yourself booted out if that's really what you want.

Well, I have served 6 years in the Army (1995-2001) and I have to say that they would get in some serious trouble.

They could be looking at 5 years in the "brig" (military jail). I know of 2, that were in the same company as I was, and they went AWOL. I think they just got out of the "brig" just a year ago.

I'm like this, they can do what they want, but it's not a good idea for them to stay in your house (that would be harboring and abeiting a fugitive).

I think because of the serious problems it would cause for this person, I would urge him/her to go back and face the music asap before it gets worse. But I would not turn anyone in....

EXACTLY!!! I too, served 6 years in the military and they could be looking at some serious punishment.

Remember the story about Eddie Slovik?? They used to do that to people who went AWOL/Desertion. It's not funny.

I mean they CHOSE to go in the military (there's no draft anymore, people). I mean, what the heck did they think the military was (a f***ing resort?!)...Uhhhh, uhhhh!!! No, no!! It's to serve your country and fight when you are called upon to fight an opposing force. Sheeesh!!! What the heck do these people think it is about?!

I served in the U.S.A.F. durring Vietnam War.

True, very serious punnishment awaits. It would be better to go see the commanding officer and tell him you want OUT and be specific. Tell him you want an honorable discharge and that you do not want to lose your benefits or rank, if possible. Usually, rank will be lowered though.

I have seen the crafty recruiters in action with these young high school boys. They paint a pretty picture to get them to enlist. Then comes bootcamp, where you are degraded and talked to as if you are the lowest lifeform on the planet. Very humilating. Some are made fun of and put down on a regular basis. People should not be treated in this manner. The military can be very harsh and some just don't do well in that environment. Those who can't cut the mustard should be allowed to leave. But do it the proper way, as the punnishment for going AWOL is even harsher!!!

I would not turn anyone in, just try to reason with them and give them the above advice.

I don't know how I would feel, and I guess how I feel regarding the matter wouldn't necessarily be of relevance.

If I were asked by this person for advice ... I'd probably suggest they do the right thing, ask them what they thought the right thing to do might be, & recommend them to step-up to the plate.

Blessed are the merciful for they shall have mercy.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of
God.

To answer a couple of questions here.

He is back on base. He would love to get kicked out, but hasn't been that lucky yet. We're waiting now to find out what they are going to do. They don't want to let him out because they say he's a good soldier. He's currently trying not to be. lol

And when he left, I didn't know where he was, exactly, so me turning him in wasn't an option, though I wouldn't have done it anyway.

Personally, I think his reasons for leaving were valid.

The Military has seen just about every kind of 'out idea' ever made by
man. For his own mental well being, my suggestion is for him to go to his commanding officer....as was earlier posted by another.

Also this. Attitude problems and issues can demoralize more than just the one person. They can bring entire unit's moral down. I don't know what kind of unit, your friend is in but if it is a combat unit that is being deployed into harms way. The morale of these units is what keeps them together in the tough times they face. He has some other
people to think about here.

Again I suggest, he go to his commanding officer with this.

I didn't see the part that said

Blessed are the cowards...for they shall be running the rest of their lives

Or:




Obey those that have authority over you,

Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's...and render unto God, what is God's

In Canada we are not forced to enter into the Military. My Dad was in the Military all his life until he retired, and he did refuse to go on certain postings, but if you agree to go then you sould finish what you started.

In the states I have noticed you are drafted and do not have the right to say no. If I had to do something that I totaly disagreed with and the only option I had was leaving then I likely would.

I think he was referring to mercy Ship... I think that would simply require looking to the reasons why.... having complete disregard for the 'issues' involved may even be a detrimental thing.. as an earlier poster said... they may not be cut out for it.. they may be suffering mentally, or be of ill mental health.. they may have been very young, with no really understanding