What does Article 86 of the UCMJ address?

Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) specifically addresses the offense of being Absent Without Leave (AWOL). This article is crucial in maintaining military discipline, as it outlines the consequences for a service member who leaves their post or fails to report for duty without proper authorization. Being AWOL is treated seriously, as it can disrupt the military's operational readiness and effectiveness.

Desertion refers to a more severe situation where a service member not only goes AWOL but also intends to avoid hazardous duty or responsibility permanently. Insubordination involves a failure to obey lawful orders or showing disrespect towards superiors, which is covered under different articles of the UCMJ. Neglect of duty addresses the failure to perform assigned duties effectively and does not specifically link to unauthorized absence. Hence, Article 86 is dedicated solely to the unauthorized absence of personnel from their unit, making it distinct from the other offenses mentioned.