Which article of the UCMJ specifies desertion?

Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) specifically addresses the offense of desertion. It defines desertion as the act of a service member who absents themselves from their unit or duty with the intent to remain away permanently, which can include situations where a member leaves their post or fails to report for duty without authorization.

Understanding Article 86 is crucial for maintaining military discipline, as desertion undermines unit cohesion and readiness. This article outlines the conditions under which a service member can be charged with desertion and the potential consequences for violating this article.

The other articles mentioned address different offenses: for instance, Article 89 deals with disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer, Article 91 pertains to insubordinate conduct toward a non-commissioned officer, and Article 134 encompasses various offenses that don't fit the definitions of other articles but still violate military law.

Thus, the focus on Article 86 in connection with desertion correctly identifies the specific provision within the UCMJ that governs this offense.