Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/31/2009

Question
my boyfriend is AWOL from the army and he been AWOL for about a month and a week befor he got pulled over by the cops and will getting arrested he had weed on him .my question is what going to happen to him is he going to get a discharge or is he going to be able to stay and finish the army. my other question is what if i join with him will they let him stay

Answer
Dear Pamela --

At the very least your boyfriend will be dropped from the rolls with a poor discharge characterization because he deserted the Army.  He could well go to jail, first civilian jail for drug possession, and then when they return him to military jurisdiction, he could go to military detention for desertion and drug use.

There is nothing you can do to save him.  

You should save yourself.  You should only join the military, if you want such an opportunity for yourself, not to try and salvage your boyfriend's career.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.