AWOL - PCF or wait?

[AWOLer]

I went AWOL five months ago, so I am actually now considered a 'Deserter'. I have been in contact with a well-known attorney that deals specifically with these types of cases. He has attempted to get information from Fort Lewis (nearest base to my now physical location) and Ft. Benning (my station to-be had I graduated AIT).

A month ago, Ft. Lewis said I was not in the system as DFR. This would mean I am not PCF-eligible. Ft. Benning gave no information. My attorney said that I could go to Ft. Sill PCF sometime after the six month mark, and then out-process, or - if I'm not PCF-eligible - sign papers saying I will return to my post, and will be let go without escort.

I do not want to go down there without knowing that I will be outprocessed quickly. I have a wife, child, job, and a new-start business to tend to.

Any other way to find out if I've been DFR'd? I assume that a background check would do it, but I had one done a week after leaving, so to avoid the dangers of alarming anyone. This was one of the bg checks that are good for three years, but need to get a 10-year bg check to get my business license.

 

[Silverplum]

I went AWOL five months ago, so I am actually now considered a 'Deserter'. I have been in contact with a well-known attorney that deals specifically with these types of cases. He has attempted to get information from Fort Lewis (nearest base to my now physical location) and Ft. Benning (my station to-be had I graduated AIT).

A month ago, Ft. Lewis said I was not in the system as DFR. This would mean I am not PCF-eligible. Ft. Benning gave no information. My attorney said that I could go to Ft. Sill PCF sometime after the six month mark, and then out-process, or - if I'm not PCF-eligible - sign papers saying I will return to my post, and will be let go without escort.

I do not want to go down there without knowing that I will be outprocessed quickly. I have a wife, child, job, and a new-start business to tend to.

Any other way to find out if I've been DFR'd? I assume that a background check would do it, but I had one done a week after leaving, so to avoid the dangers of alarming anyone. This was one of the bg checks that are good for three years, but need to get a 10-year bg check to get my business license.

I can't imagine that you really expect to be immune from consequences of your decisions.

 

[randolph76]

And no one here can tell you how long it will take to outprocess. You have a lawyer, so follow their advice. Other than that the crystal ball is out for repairs.

 

[AWOLer]

I'm mainly asking how else to check my status, that is my main concern.

 

[Silverplum]

I'm mainly asking how else to check my status, that is my main concern.

Yes, I'm sure it is.

 

[AWOLer]

Yes, I'm sure it is.

Maybe someone else can provide information.

 

[randolph76]

Ad hominem attacks on the volunteers isn't going to make the advice suddenly be what you want to hear. If you don't like what you're being told whine to your attorney - you pay him/her

 

[AWOLer]

I am just trying to cover all my bases. Would you blindly listen to ONE person with an important decision? That's what I did when I decided to join the Army - listened to one person instead of the others telling me otherwise. And now look where I am.

Anyways, thanks anyway. I'll pray and meditate on what to do, talk to my wife, save money, get two weeks covered at work. Can't wait till it's over.

Also, sorry for the name-calling. Just so tired of all the prejudice that people place on AWOLers. The Army is just another job, I think, so why would someone face penalties for quitting it. My $.02 on that. And I tried to get out by submitting all the paperwork, but they were going to shove it under a file cabinet somewhere and forget about it.