Final answer:
AWOL is defined under Article 86 of the UCMJ and refers to a service member's failure to report for or stay at their appointed place of duty, which can result in various levels of punishment based on the specifics of the case.
Step-by-step explanation:
Absence Without Leave (AWOL) is defined under Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This article addresses the failure of a service member to report for duty or to remain at their appointed place of duty. Going AWOL is considered a serious offense because it affects unit cohesion and military readiness.
In the context of the UCMJ, AWOL is distinct from desertion, which is a more severe offense and is covered under a different article. The consequences for being AWOL can range from non-judicial punishment to court-martial, depending on the circumstances of the absence, such as the length of the absence and the servicemember's intent.