Desertion facts for kids
Desertion is a serious term used in the military. It means a soldier has left their duty or post without permission. A soldier who deserts does not plan to come back. This is different from being Absence Without Leave (AWOL). When a soldier is AWOL, they have left without permission but usually plan to return. If a soldier is AWOL for more than 30 days, they are often officially listed as a deserter.
Deserting is considered a very serious offense in most militaries around the world. In the US military, desertion can lead to very severe punishments. The last US soldier to face the most serious punishment for desertion was Eddie Slovik in 1945. More recently, during the Iraq War, no US soldier received more than 18 months in prison for desertion.
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What is Military Desertion?
Desertion happens when a soldier leaves their military unit or job without permission. They do this because they do not want to return to their duties. This is different from a soldier who is simply late or misses a day of work. A deserter has made a clear choice to abandon their military service.
Desertion vs. Absence Without Leave (AWOL)
It is important to know the difference between desertion and AWOL.
- AWOL means a soldier is Absence Without Leave. They are away from their post without permission. But they usually intend to come back. Maybe they got lost, or had a personal emergency.
- Desertion means a soldier has left their post without permission and has no plan to return. They are giving up their military duties entirely.
A soldier who is AWOL for a long time, often more than 30 days, might be considered a deserter. This is because after a certain time, it is assumed they do not plan to come back.
Why Do Soldiers Desert?
Soldiers might desert for many reasons.
- Some might be afraid of combat or dangerous situations.
- Others might have strong personal or family problems that make them leave.
- Sometimes, soldiers disagree with the war or conflict they are fighting in.
- They might also feel they are being treated unfairly.
No matter the reason, desertion is a breach of their military oath and duty.
Consequences of Desertion
Desertion is a very serious crime in the military. The punishments for desertion can be very harsh.
- Soldiers who desert can face long prison sentences.
- They might lose all their military benefits, like pay or healthcare.
- They can also receive a dishonorable discharge. This means they are removed from the military in a way that shows they failed their duties. This can make it hard to find jobs or get certain benefits in civilian life.
Historical Punishments
In the past, punishments for desertion were often much more severe. During wartime, some countries even used the death penalty for deserters. This was meant to stop other soldiers from leaving their posts. The last time the US military used the death penalty for desertion was during World War II. This shows how seriously desertion was, and still is, viewed by military forces.
Modern Approaches
Today, military forces still treat desertion seriously. However, the punishments can vary depending on the country and the specific situation. Modern militaries often focus on understanding why a soldier deserted. They might offer support or counseling if there are underlying issues. But the core idea remains: deserting is a serious break of trust and duty.
Images for kids
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Deserteur (Дезертир), by Ilya Repin, 1917
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Armenian soldiers in 1919, with deserters as prisoners
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"Convoy of Deserters - Paris" in the book "Cassell's History of the War between France and Germany. 1870-1871"
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A United States wartime poster about absence
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The execution of a U.S. deserter in the Federal Camp, Alexandria
See also
In Spanish: Deserción para niños
