What happens if You run from the military?

What Happens if You Run from the Military?

Running from the military is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for those who attempt to escape or flee from their duty. In this article, we will explore the risks and repercussions of deserting the military and what can happen if you choose to run from your service commitment.

What is Military Desertion?

Desertion is the unauthorized abandonment of one’s duties or post without permission from a superior officer. Military personnel who desert their duty are considered to be derelict in their duty and are subject to disciplinary action, including court-martial and imprisonment.

Consequences of Desertion

If you are a military personnel and you desert your duty, you may face the following consequences:

• Court-Martial: You may be subjected to a court-martial, which is a formal military trial. If you are found guilty of desertion, you may receive a sentence of imprisonment, fines, or both.
• Imprisonment: You may face imprisonment for a period ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Loss of Benefits: You may lose your entitlement to military benefits, such as education benefits, health insurance, and other financial benefits.
• Dismissal: You may be dismissed from the military and lose your rank, badges, and other honors.
• Criminal Prosecution: You may also face criminal prosecution in civil court, which can lead to additional penalties and fines.

Types of Military Desertion

There are several types of military desertion, including:

• Desertion while on active duty: Desertion while on active duty is the most serious offense and can result in a sentence of imprisonment.
• Desertion while on leave: Desertion while on leave is the unauthorized absence from duty for a period of time during a leave or liberty period.
• Desertion while in a furlough: Desertion while in a furlough is the unauthorized absence from duty for a period of time during a furlough or leave period.

How to Prove Desertion

To prove desertion, the prosecution must show that:

• You intentionally deserted your duty: You intentionally abandoned your duty without permission from a superior officer.
• You knew or should have known that you were deserting your duty: You knew or should have known that your action was a violation of military regulations and would result in your being absent without leave (AWOL).

Defenses to Desertion

There are several defenses to desertion, including:

• Duress: You were forced to desert your duty due to threats or coercion from others.
• Mistake of fact: You believed that you had the permission to be absent from duty, but it turned out that you did not.
• Unconscionable delay in processing: You were denied a timely and proper review of your request for leave or furlough.

Prevention is Key

Prevention is the best way to avoid military desertion. If you are struggling with your duty or feeling overwhelmed, seek help from your superiors, chaplains, or mental health professionals.

Conclusion

Military desertion is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for those who attempt to escape or flee from their duty. If you are a military personnel and you are considering deserting, it is important to think carefully about the risks and repercussions of your actions. Remember that prevention is key, and seeking help when you need it is often the best way to overcome challenges and stay committed to your duty.

Appendix

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. If you are facing desertion charges or considering deserting, it is recommended that you seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.