AWOL Action

What is the process for a New Jersey Army National Guard soldier who was activated to go to Iraq and went AWOL during training. There are other circumstances involved: illness, mental anguish, unit didn't even realize they were gone for 5 days, they are continuing to recieve LES & wages, etc. How should they turn themselves in? Will that help? What charges/jailtime will they be facing? Overall this was a good soldier that had completed 1/2 of a six year National Guard term. What do we do??

That person is going to want to turn himself in immediately. If a person is gone a longer period of time, AWOL becomes desertion, and the penalties become VERY serious.

I would advise calling the unit, or even calling the nearest Army installation's staff judge advocate's office. I know Ft. Dix is in New Jersey. The SJA's office number is: 609-562-3043.