Definition:
AWOL, or "Absent Without Leave" is a crime in the military. It's punishable under Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
AWOL simply means not being where you are supposed to be, at the time you are supposed to be there. A military person can be one minute late for work, and be considered AWOL. A military person who is AWOL for 30 days or more is administratively classified as a Deserter.
Also see: AWOL and Desertion
