awol about 1 year now - active duty -

[dumbpvt]

First of all I would just try to say that I know every other person who made the same stupid decision to go awol has an excuse, I'm not going to bore you with that stuff. I know the military doesn't accept excuses... What I will tell you because it might affect my case is that I was suffering from depression at the time. This wasn't diagnosed by an army doctor but by my personal shrink whom I started seeing shortly after going awol.

Ok so I was stationed in Alaska for about 2 months after AIT. Went awol from Ft. Richardson AK about 1 year ago, I was stupid I know (I'm not a child) and I've regretted it for so long, to the point that I hate my guts for doing it... The day I went Awol I took a flight out out the country to my relatives. Been here safe ever since (not Canada). Clean record besides awol or desertion. My unit is currently deployed in Afghanistan. Thats my story.

I know there's some decent people here (and let me say awol or not I wont judge you or whatever). I was hoping you could help me get some questions answered. I guess I just want to have a good game plan before I turn myself in.

My first big question would be, how the hell do I get back in country by air with them knowing I'm turning myself in and not just getting busted? Would it be possible to turn myself in at an embassy to a liaison?

Second, as an active member of the us army what should I expect as far as punishment? I know from other threads that you might get asked if you want to stay in, this would be my case eve if it means several months in the brig... I'll basically take what they dish out for me. Don't know if this applies for non IET. (though I'm pretty sure in my own view of things my chances of staying in are close to if not 0)

Third where should I plan on going Ft. Richardson, Knox or Sill?

Thnxs for reading my post appreciate any solid info.

Well besides from the info I've already given you, I would just like to add for those who might be considering going awol. It was the biggest mistake I ever made period! I regret it every day of my entire life, every night before I go to bed I regret it. The army is a great thing and I loved it back then, hell I still love it. Don't waist your chance at something greater that yourself and just toughen up... I wish every day of my life I could go back and undo what I did.
Sadly I don't think the army will care much for me now because I've betrayed them. Even though I know its mostly wishful thinking, if I got a chance to go back I wouldn't give a dam about being deployed or putting up with bull for an extended period of time. It's a great lifestyle... and don't think I'm making this up AWOL is some serious trouble you don't want.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[IsabellaSoriano]

Originally Posted by dumbpvt

First of all I would just try to say that I know every other person who made the same stupid decision to go awol has an excuse, I'm not going to bore you with that stuff. I know the military doesn't accept excuses... What I will tell you because it might affect my case is that I was suffering from depression at the time. This wasn't diagnosed by an army doctor but by my personal shrink whom I started seeing shortly after going awol.

Ok so I was stationed in Alaska for about 2 months after AIT. Went awol from Ft. Richardson AK about 1 year ago, I was stupid I know (I'm not a child) and I've regretted it for so long, to the point that I hate my guts for doing it... The day I went Awol I took a flight out out the country to my relatives. Been here safe ever since (not Canada). Clean record besides awol or desertion. My unit is currently deployed in Afghanistan. Thats my story.

I know there's some decent people here (and let me say awol or not I wont judge you or whatever). I was hoping you could help me get some questions answered. I guess I just want to have a good game plan before I turn myself in.

My first big question would be, how the hell do I get back in country by air with them knowing I'm turning myself in and not just getting busted? Would it be possible to turn myself in at an embassy to a liaison?

Second, as an active member of the us army what should I expect as far as punishment? I know from other threads that you might get asked if you want to stay in, this would be my case eve if it means several months in the brig... I'll basically take what they dish out for me. Don't know if this applies for non IET. (though I'm pretty sure in my own view of things my chances of staying in are close to if not 0)

Third where should I plan on going Ft. Richardson, Knox or Sill?

Thnxs for reading my post appreciate any solid info.

Well besides from the info I've already given you, I would just like to add for those who might be considering going awol. It was the biggest mistake I ever made period! I regret it every day of my entire life, every night before I go to bed I regret it. The army is a great thing and I loved it back then, hell I still love it. Don't waist your chance at something greater that yourself and just toughen up... I wish every day of my life I could go back and undo what I did.
Sadly I don't think the army will care much for me now because I've betrayed them. Even though I know its mostly wishful thinking, if I got a chance to go back I wouldn't give a dam about being deployed or putting up with bull for an extended period of time. It's a great lifestyle... and don't think I'm making this up AWOL is some serious trouble you don't want.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

in regards to the bolded, just for a bit of humor, you can jump the border like the rest of us mexicans.

honestly, i really don't think you are going to be able to get in without getting picked up on the spot. best thing, call your CO, schedule a time to turn yourself in or have MP's pick you up at the airport.

the sooner, the better.

[dumbpvt]

Well I was talking with a retired master sergeant and he told me I might be able to turn myself in at the embassy to the army liaison as he is an officer and should have the authority to get me state side (don't know if at my own expense but at this point I don't care) Border jumping would just add another charge to my record as it might be seen as evading the law I guess, but I'm no lawyer... The next best thing would be to fly to a city inside the US where a us military base is at close proximity so their mp's might be able to pick me up and send me to wherever I need to go.

As to one of my other questions I heard that if they let you stay in, they'll retrain you as another MOS so I guess it applies to IET only. Though the funny thing is that I was only in for 169 days. I don't really know what would apply to me. Please anybody who has any info on this help me out.

[ERAUPIKE]

Originally Posted by dumbpvt

Well I was talking with a retired master sergeant and he told me I might be able to turn myself in at the embassy to the army liaison as he is an officer and should have the authority to get me state side (don't know if at my own expense but at this point I don't care) Border jumping would just add another charge to my record as it might be seen as evading the law I guess, but I'm no lawyer... The next best thing would be to fly to a city inside the US where a us military base is at close proximity so their mp's might be able to pick me up and send me to wherever I need to go.

As to one of my other questions I heard that if they let you stay in, they'll retrain you as another MOS so I guess it applies to IET only. Though the funny thing is that I was only in for 169 days. I don't really know what would apply to me. Please anybody who has any info on this help me out.

You will most likely not be retained. You have a high probability of receiving an Entry Level Separation but an OTH is still entirely possible as well.

[dumbpvt]

Originally Posted by ERAUPIKE

You will most likely not be retained. You have a high probability of receiving an Entry Level Separation but an OTH is still entirely possible as well.

My thoughts exactly, do you know the criteria under which they make that decision?
Any thoughts on reentering the USA?

[dumbpvt]

Anybody have any info on best way to turn myself in... please I really need to clarify this. Any info will be appreciated.

[UAneedadvice]

Just call your command and get orders to return, they should fax them to you. That will show them you're not a flight risk and you should be able to get back safely. If you're stopped just show your papers.

Edit* I know this worked because I've done it.
Police were ready to cuff me but they got a hold of the Navy and were told to release me.

[dumbpvt]

Thanks that's something I didn't know. Appreciate your info. To bad chances are looking not so good about retention... does anyone know the criteria for bing retained in the military?

[ERAUPIKE]

Originally Posted by dumbpvt

Thanks that's something I didn't know. Appreciate your info. To bad chances are looking not so good about retention... does anyone know the criteria for bing retained in the military?

Decisions are made on a case by case basis, your chances look slim to none.

[dumbpvt]

Well thanks for the info, I will be doing some phone calls and will update this thread as soon as I can.