[RetiredArmy]

Working in the Army legal field for 17 years, I can tell you that this is a MINOR problem. Considering the hundreds of thousands of people in uniform, coming and going from the military on a daily basis, this is minor. We have always had these people. The huge majority of those walking away are exactly what the person says in the article, people WHO COULD NOT ADAPT to the military life style. Working long hours without a break, weekend after weekend of working, long duty days, away from home for the first time, having to DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE TOLD TO DO AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, taking orders, caring out orders promptly, EVEN shaving, getting a haircut, taking a bath regularly was a problem for some. Personal problems, family problems, financial problems. I NEVER IN MY SERVICE was involved in a case of a deserter who was captured and returned to military control, say he/she walked away BECAUSE OF ANTI-WAR, ANTI-MILITARY, ETC. type crap. It was always something like those I mentioned above. Basically, this article is pure liberal/leftist/socialist/democrat B.S.

[tonycavanagh]

re :It was always something like those I mentioned above.

I agree a major problem especially with young soldiers away from there girlfriends the first time was Dear John letters.

In most cases it was AWOL rather than outright desertions.