Anyone, let me repeat, ANYONE that walks away from their post in a war zone is not a good person. PERIOD. Whether AWOL or a Deserter doesn’t matter. Everything about this man and the situation screams unfit for the military at the least.
Agreed.
We all know it happens from time to time, though it is a lot rarer than most might expect.
I’’m afraid I’d give his squad leader a damned good going over as well though - its his JOB to notice when one of his guys are starting to get a bit twitchy. The medic certainly commented on it, and that, in my book, is always a red flag.
Individually they all seem like nothing:
1/ He was a bit quiet and withdrawn - you take any bit of privacy you can get in close quarters, and your mates grant you that precious bit of privacy.
2/ He was learning the local language - sort of praiseworthy, having someone who can sling some of the lingo as a cross check to any translator.
3/ He sent some gear home - A little more dodgy, but it happens often enough not to be too noticeable.
4/ Talking about what they are actually doing out there - bull sessions are totally normal and help keep you sane.
But put them together with him leaving his post at least once before (reportedly) and a totally different pattern emerges. One that was missed.
Dont get me wrong, the decision to start walking was totally his, and his alone. His squad leader dropped the ball though.