AWOL

AWOL is an acronym for the United States Armed Forces expression "Absent WithOut Leave." A serviceman or woman is technically AWOL when he or she has failed to show up at, or has left, his or her military assignment without permission, or without a valid pass or leave. Such an individual becomes officially AWOL when he or she is noted on their unit's morning report as being absent without leave. After 30 days, an AWOL individual is dropped from the unit's rolls and reported for desertion. Colloquially, AWOL characterizes something missing or gone; not where it should be. "He made a stupid decision because his common sense went AWOL." Category:United States military