What does it mean when someone goes AWOL? Short for Absent Without Leave, AWOL, or Unauthorized Absence (UA) occurs when a service member leaves the military without prior authorization. This offense is not a light matter and is considered one of the most severe things a person in the military can do. It can be…
As the first line of defense in the country, the United States military is expected to be organized and ready to answer the call of duty. That is why maintaining order is vital in military operations. Respecting the chain of command is primarily how the military performs its tasks as efficiently as possible. But what…
Did you know that, as per Military.com, over 200,000 military personnel leave active duty annually? There comes a time in a service member’s life when their chapter in the Armed Forces ends. This is when they’re given a military discharge or separation. Most service members receive an Honorable or General Discharge, and that’s what most…
If you’ve watched crime drama before, you’ve probably heard about the Miranda rights. These are read out loud in cases of criminal accusations. Fundamentally, the person suspected of an offense has the right to remain silent; anything they say or do can be taken against them, and they have the right to an attorney. Given…
Understanding what differentiates a civilian court from a military court can make a significant impact when a service member is accused of a crime while on active duty. Moreover, knowing your rights under military law allows you to navigate military courts with confidence. This article will tackle the fundamental differences between these two courts. The…
If you’re part of the US Navy, you’re probably familiar with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service or NCIS. It is essentially a civilian federal law enforcement agency tasked with investigating felony crimes, preventing terrorism, and protective service operations for the Navy and Marine Corps. Comprised of approximately two thousand personnel, with over a thousand people…
All active duty service members are aware of how vital a DD Form 214 is to their post-military service life. This significant document allows active duty members and veterans to claim their benefits. However, does the same importance apply to National Guard and reserve members? Military service is considered an honor, not a right. Hence,…
Every veteran knows how vital one’s DD Form 214 is to their post-military life. Once a person has rendered their active duty service commitment, they are given a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This official document from the Department of Defense summarizes a service member’s life in the military. While the DD…
Any military veteran would understand the significance of a DD Form 214 in post-active duty service. Your military records are vital to claiming veterans’ benefits, such as home loans and education assistance. Moreover, your official military personnel file is crucial for post-military employment opportunities. Considering how vital military service records are, you should always have…
It is common knowledge that American military veterans receive plenty of benefits. Serving in the U.S. military is an honor, after all. Veterans are entitled to many perks, from housing loans, healthcare education benefits, and discounts in retail establishments and restaurants. One of the most significant benefits of active service is military retirement pay. Given…