Reasons for Going AWOL from the Army National Guard and Steps to Take Afterwards

As a former Army National Guard Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer, I've encountered a variety of reasons for why individuals might go absent without leave (AWOL). The most common reasons I've seen include:

Reasons for Going AWOL

Physical or Financial Constraints

Some Soldiers have found themselves in situations where they were too drunk to wake up for drill, or they couldn't afford to take time off from their "real job" as they needed to make more money.

Personal Reasons

Many have simply decided they didn't want to be in the Guard, feeling the disconnect between their civilian and military roles.

Steps to Take After Going AWOL

The decision to go AWOL is a serious one. If you've already gone AWOL, the most important step is to communicate with your unit leadership immediately. Honoring your contract is crucial, even if it ends after a limited time of six years. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Come Clean to Unit Leadership

Communicate with your unit leadership as soon as possible. Be honest about your reasons and seek their support. This will help to mitigate the consequences. For instance, Specialist J had the integrity to be honest and took his punishment like a man.

2. Address Financial Obligations

If your absence was due to financial constraints, address these issues directly. Sergeant D, for example, attempted to justify his position, but was reduced in rank and forced to recoup his bonus due to the severity of the situation.

3. Undergo the Process for Readmission

There is a process in place to facilitate readmission after going AWOL. This includes a reduction in rank and recoupment of military bonuses. These steps are designed to ensure that all guardsmen honor their commitments.

4. Seek Legal Advice

Certainly, the process can be complicated. Consider seeking legal advice if you plan to go AWOL and want to understand your rights and obligations.

Conclusion

Overall, the bottom line is to honor your contract. Failure to do so can have severe consequences, including a reduction in rank, recoupment of bonuses, and even arrest by civilian authorities. Communicate with your unit leadership and address any issues before they escalate. Going AWOL is a serious offense and the consequences are avoidable by doing the right thing.