Turned Myself In 14APR2008

[TurnedMyselfIn]

What is the name of your state? GA

Alright, I know a lot of people post their "turning themselves in" stories but I think it will help those who are still looking over their shoulder make the right choice (though its extremely hard) and go on with your life.

Alright, well I went AWOL toward the end of January and I didn't turn myself in until the 14th of April. My reasons I am not going into, as it doesn't honestly matter. The people that helped me told me I wasn't turning myself in until after my birthday. Well anyway... I was extremely nervous I didn't know what to expect exactly, I mean I had read things but still. We drove to Fort Knox... I didn't turn myself in at the gate, we got on the base and drove right to the MP station and turned myself in. When I got there it was about 4 pm, there was 1 sergeant there he was very nice told me to have a sit while he finished up his papers. After he finished his paperwork he asked me a few questions, I don't remember them all but some where "when did you go AWOL?" and "Where did you go AWOL from?", they asked for you license and your military ID if you still have it. He makes a few phone calls, to make sure they have your packet and that you were DFR'ed. Then they call PCF to let them know "We have another one." Before you go over there they fingerprint you. They drive you over there and walk you in, they turn you over the the Cadre there (whom are all civilians that you still have to call by rank). They give you some information to fill out, just a few papers. They have you write a "Letter to the 1SG" giving him an idea as to why you left, that is the ONLY time you are asked. After that they give you a foot locker with PTs to wear and take all your stuff INCLUDING hygiene products, they provide that for you (Yes it is very gross!). Then you go to bed.

There are only a few "days" of processing that you will do. The first is done after breakfast chow (at 0600). Its just inprocessing into PCF, you will also get ACU's and boots with a PCF patch that goes where ranks go. They do this processing about every duty day. They next is JAG and your ACAPS (or whatever its called) Briefing, they only do this on Mondays and Thursdays... which means they will ONLY release you on Tuesdays or Fridays. All the processing really takes less then 3 hours (depending on how many people). Best bet is to get there on Monday or Tuesday MAYBE even very early Wednesday so you can be out by Friday.

Everyone gets a Chapter 10 - General Discharge - Other then Honorable (yes its a general discharge).

The worst part about it is, its boring its long very very very long, you have nothing to do. DO ANY DETAIL THEY ASK, its a chance to do something. Do what you are told when you are told to do it and everything will be fine. The cadre will joke with you, or they did us. Everyone is real cool and there isn't anything to be worried about. If you don't want to spend 4 days in jail just turn yourself in. If not and the police get you, you will probably spend atleast 4 days in jail.

If you have any specific questions just ask, its late and I can't think of anything else to put.

I got there 14th of Apr and was out the 18th, Monday (evening) - Friday (morning).