Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 1325.02
November 16, 2012
Incorporating Change 1, March 31, 2017
USD(P&R)
SUBJECT: Desertion and Unauthorized Absence (UA)
References: See Enclosure 1.
1. PURPOSE. This Instruction reissues DoD Directive 1325.2 (Reference (a)) as a DoD
Instruction in accordance with the authority in DoD Directive 5124.02 (Reference (b)) to update
established policy, assigned responsibilities, and prescribed procedures designed to reduce
desertion, UA, or designation as absent without leave (AWOL) of military personnel.
2. APPLICABILITY. This Instruction applies to:
a. OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it
is a service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant
Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense
Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD.
b. All military personnel serving on active duty, active duty for training, or ordered to report
to active duty in the Military Services; pursuant to section 802 of chapter 47 of title 10, United
States Code (also known and hereinafter referred to as “The Uniform Code of Military Justice
(UCMJ)” (Reference (c))).
3. DEFINITIONS. See Glossary.
4. POLICY. It is DoD policy to:
a. Foster the development of effective deterrent programs and enhance apprehension efforts
related to desertion and UA/AWOL in the Military Services.
b. Support accurate and timely reporting of cases of desertion and UA/AWOL to appropriate
military and civilian authorities.
