AWOL crisis hits the US forces

[Benbow]

As the death toll of troops mounts in Iraq and Afghanistan, America's military recruiting figures have plummeted to an all-time low. Thousands of US servicemen and women are now refusing to serve their country.

Independent, 16 May 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=638635

Campaigners have also drawn attention to the often scurrilous tactics used by US military recruiters, who for three months have failed to meet their targets for recruits. After several cases where recruiters had illegally covered up recruits' criminal and medical records, threatened one prospect with jail for failing to meet an appointment and provided another with laxatives to help him lose weight and pass a physical, the Pentagon is halting all recruiting on 20 May for a day of retraining.

<snip>

Campaigners say that despite pressure on unhappy recruits exerted in the barracks and the insults they will likely face, if a recruit follows the correct legal procedure they can usually get out of the military. One of the biggest hurdles for those who want out is obtaining the correct information on how best to proceed. Usually, the advice to those on the run is to turn themselves in. After 30 days of being Awol a serviceman is considered a deserter, and a warrant is issued for his arrest. At that point, he can be returned to his unit, court-martialled or given jail time or - and this is more often than not the outcome for recruits - they will be given a non-judicial punishment and an less-than-honourable discharge. Volunteers say usually the military is more inclined to let go those who have had the least training and are the least specialised. But an experienced Air Force pilot, for instance, in whom the military has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars, could face a much more difficult time in getting out. "

<snip>

Last week, at Fort Stewart, a military judge started a so-called Article 32 hearing to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for a full court-martial of Sgt Benderman. The proceedings recommence on 26 May. Sgt Benderman's wife, Monica, who had been heavily involved in organising his defence, said: "A lot of what they are saying about Kevin is not true. He never went Awol and was never a deserter. He is staying strong. I am proud of him. He has had a lot thrown at him over the past three days. If you consider what he has gone through he is doing very well. If people cannot see he is genuine, then they are not looking at him."

[bullimiami]

1. HA HA

[Career Prole]

2. Wait a minute! There's a rule against going AWOL?

Hey shrub! Did you know that?

[lyonn]

3. How do you sign up for a war that is

not warranted? That those over there fighting come back and say "why?" Our media is not telling us but somehow the word gets out there. The reasons for this war are shrinking and looking more phony by the day. We are Not making a difference over there, except for more deaths as far as I can tell. Let's face it, we can't protect the road from Baghdad to the airport. Six miles! Borders left open for 2 plus years and now we attack that town that was ready for us and ran us off! It goes on and on.

[leftofthedial]

4. follow the leader