People serving in the military generally give up many of their personal freedoms. They do not necessarily control what position they fill within the military or even the base where they live and work.
Service members generally need to follow all commands and communicate with the officers above them in their chain of command when they face unusual circumstances. For example, family emergencies or medical challenges might lead to a military member needing to travel or go off base for multiple days. Failing to follow the right procedures before an absence could lead to an involuntary separation.
Was an absence actually explainable?
Alleged violations of Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) are one of the most common reasons for service members to face involuntary separation or non-judicial punishment. When military service members have unapproved absences, their chain of command may accuse them of going absent without leave (AWOL).
Being AWOL even for a few days can be enough to trigger non-judicial punishment or possibly even a court-martial. Leaving an appointed place of duty, failing to appear at an appointed place of duty or taking an extended absence without prior permission can all lead to significant consequences.
If the penalties for that absence included a discharge, there may be an unfavorable record of the separation. In some cases, exigent circumstances could help explain why a service member went AWOL and could lead to lenience after their separation from the branch that they served.
Requesting a discharge upgrade is sometimes an option for those who ended their military service abruptly due to an unexpected and unapproved absence. Legal guidance when challenging a pending separation or the terms of a discharge can make a major difference for a current or former service member’s circumstances in this regard.