What does the acronym AWOL mean?

AWOL is an acronym that stands for Absent Without Leave. It is a term that is commonly used in the military to describe a situation where a member of the armed forces has left their unit without permission or authorization. The term is also used in other contexts to describe a similar situation where someone has left their place of work or other responsibilities without permission.

The term AWOL is often used interchangeably with other similar terms such as UA (Unauthorized Absence) in the Navy and Marine Corps, and AWAOL (Absent Without Authorized Leave) in the Army and Air Force.

The consequences of being AWOL can be severe, especially in the military. In the military, being AWOL can result in disciplinary action, including court-martial, confinement, and dishonorable discharge.