desserters

Deserters, sometimes rendered as “desserters” in informal usage, are individuals in the armed forces who abandon their unit or duties without authorization and with the intention of avoiding further service. The term covers service members who flee from combat zones, fail to report for duty, or otherwise disengage from their obligations with the aim of not returning.

Desertion is distinct from absence without leave (AWOL). AWOL generally refers to an unapproved absence that may be temporary and not accompanied by an explicit intent to permanently avoid service. Desertion typically requires evidence of intent to evade service for a substantial period or permanently.

Legal frameworks surrounding desertion vary by country and era. In many militaries, desertion is a criminal offense enforceable by military law and may be punishable by court-martial, imprisonment, or discharge. Historically, some regimes imposed severe penalties, including capital punishment during wartime. In contemporary forces, penalties are usually confinement, service restrictions, or dishonorable discharge, with some jurisdictions offering avenues for surrender, clemency, or pardons under certain conditions.

Causes and contexts for desertion are diverse. Factors can include fear of combat, poor treatment, harsh living conditions, coercion, political opposition, or disillusionment with a war or government. Personal, social, and economic pressures can also influence the decision to desert. The phenomenon has appeared in many historical periods and across various armed forces.

Implications of desertion extend beyond the individual. It can disrupt unit cohesion and operational readiness, increase the workload on remaining personnel, and impose investigative and legal costs on the military. Governments sometimes respond with pursuit efforts, deterrence measures, and, in some cases, programs offering amnesty or pathways to rejoin service.