Slim,
Depends on the timing. AWOL (absent without leave) during the Vietnam era  
was considered desertion, even if it was stateside. The crime was a court  
martial offense and would get you a lot of time in some very nasty military  
prisons and a dishonorable discharge. It probably would have ruined the person's  
life as no employer would ever hire him, let alone a country make him  president.
Had a great Saturday sailing with Capt. Bob Keller again. Winds were in the  
8 to 12 range and a good time was had by all.
 
Rummy