AWOL
Military abbreviation · Military Term
| Stands for | Absent without leave |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
AWOL stands for Absent without leave, a military term abbreviation.
Status of a service member who is away from duty without authorization, an offense under Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In the Army, a soldier absent for 30 days is normally dropped from the rolls and classified as a deserter for administrative purposes.
Example: The private went AWOL after his leave ended and was picked up by police in Texas two months later.
Usage notes
Pronounced "AY-wall" or spelled out. The Navy and Marine Corps usually say unauthorized absence (UA) instead. AWOL differs legally from desertion (Article 85), which requires intent to stay away permanently or to avoid hazardous duty, and wartime desertion can carry the death penalty. In everyday English, "going AWOL" means disappearing from any obligation.
Related abbreviations
More military term abbreviations
- AOR – Area of responsibility
- APFT – Army Physical Fitness Test
- ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
- ASW – Anti-submarine warfare
- AT – Annual training
- AUMF – Authorization for Use of Military Force
- BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
- BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence
- BCD – Bad-conduct discharge
- BCGs – Birth control glasses
- BCT – Basic Combat Training
- BDA – Battle damage assessment