Can you go to jail for leaving military?
Asked by: Dr. Leon Huel II | Last update: September 16, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)
If the individual is on watch or guard duty and then abandons the post without authorization and with the intention to leave the post:
Can you go to jail if you quit the military?
Desertion carries a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years. For desertion during a time of war, however, the death penalty may be applied (at the discretion of the court-martial).
What is the punishment for quitting the military?
Desertion: What It Is and How It Is Punished
When you're charged with desertion, the consequences are severe and often will include lengthy incarcerations, dishonorable discharge, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
Can you go to jail for running away from the military?
If you, or someone you know, is in an unauthorized absence status from the military and the absence is for more than 30 days, the person will automatically be declared a deserter and a federal warrant will be issued for the service member's arrest.
What happens if you just quit the military?
It is very important to note that leaving without permission - in other words, "desertion" - is a serious offense that can result in a dishonorable discharge from the military and sometimes criminal charges.
Can you go to jail for leaving the army?
Is it illegal to leave the military?
A: Yes, it is possible to go to jail for going AWOL. The penalties for a service member convicted of AWOL in military court can include forfeiture of their pay and allowances and a period of confinement in military prison.
Is deserting a crime?
To be charged with desertion, the accused service member must have taken affirmative steps to leave without obtaining proper authorization. Due to its permanent nature, desertion is a more serious offense than going AWOL or UA. It is punishable by severe penalties, including: Imprisonment.
Can you go to jail for not going to the military?
There are consequences if you fail to register with Selective Service. It is a federal felony, punishable by fines or a prison sentence. And you may not be eligible for federal jobs, citizenship, or state-funded student financial aid.
What happens if you abandon the military?
People who are proven to have committed desertion with intent to avoid hazardous duty, deployment, or important service may get the following penalties: Confinement for five years. Dishonorable discharge. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
What to do if your 18 year old runs away?
If you suspect your child has run away or is missing due to foul play, call your local police department immediately. Police department procedures may vary, but you can request that they enter your child's information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing persons file.
How much jail time for going AWOL?
The maximum authorized punishment for AWOL ranges from one month to 18 months confinement. The authorized punishment for Desertion increases to life imprisonment, and the death penalty if committed during a time of war.
What are the consequences of leaving the military?
If you are being discharged for disciplinary reasons they WILL take back bonus money you may have received and you'll likely lose rank. If you leave of your own accord before your obligation is up, it's VERY MUCH frowned upon and you're very likely to lose rank and be barred from coming back.
Does a dishonorable discharge ruin your life?
Many employers conduct background checks, and a dishonorable discharge can raise red flags. It can be equated to a criminal record, leading to automatic disqualification from many job opportunities. Furthermore, certain professional licenses, such as those in law or medicine, may become unattainable.
Can you voluntarily leave the military?
Voluntary Separation
Soldiers can request the separation through their local commanders, if they can show adequate salary or compensation from their potential civilian employers, and that the separation won't hurt their ability to support their families, said James R.
What happens if a soldier refuses to deploy?
Remember, the cost of an unauthorized refusal to deploy can include court-martial, dishonorable discharge, and even imprisonment.
Why is going AWOL illegal?
Going AWOL is a problem for military members, because it means that they have left their posts without permission. While going AWOL is less serious than desertion, it is still an issue that could lead to significant repercussions.
What happens if someone wants to quit the military?
After the first six weeks, your formal 'discharge window' opens when you have a legal right to leave, called Discharge As Of Right or DAOR. This discharge window closes after you've been in the army for six months or on your 18th birthday – whichever is later.
What is the punishment for leaving the military?
While desertion generally carries a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years, desertion during a time of war may carry the death penalty.
What is the punishment for desertion?
If the individual deserted with the intention to avoid dangerous duty or to avoid important service: The punishment is dishonorable discharge. Forfeiture of all pay or allowances. Reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.
What happens if you enlist and don't go?
In theory, if an applicant fails to show up to ship out to basic training, the military could order the individual to active duty. And if the individual refused, the military could legally court-martial the individual. In reality, this never happens. Today's military is an all-volunteer force.
Can you choose military instead of jail?
A great amount of anecdotal evidence exists that suggests a number of people have performed military service instead of doing time in prison, but from a legal perspective, this is prohibited.
What happens if you run away from the military?
After 30 days, you are no longer considered absent without leave -- you are a deserter. It is a crime punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He could get court-martialed and serve time in jail.
What is 45-45 military?
In military terminology, "45/45" typically refers to a method of conducting a security halt during a patrol or movement. The term is often used in the context of small unit tactics and standard operating procedures.
What is the death penalty for AWOL?
Soldiers are not executed for going AWOL. This only happens during times of war and the death penalty is merely a possibility. It also only exists for desertion, which is similar but different to AWOL/UA.