Article Eighty-six of the Uniform Code of Military Justice makes it a crime to fail to go to one's appointed place of duty at the time prescribed, to leave one's place of duty, or to be absent from one's unit without authority. Article Eighty-six or Absent Without Leave, states verbatim “Any member of the armed forces who without authority fails to go to his appointed place of duty at the time prescribed; goes from that place; or absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed; shall be punished by court-martial may direct.” Being a certain member appointed for a specific duty at a specific time and place and not showing up or showing up late, whilst knowing of the appointed duty. And without proper authority skipping or showing up late. It is always important to be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Even more so in the Marine Corps. Punishment for violating Article Eighty-six of the UCMJ is left to the discretion of the member's direct chain of command. Whether that be an NCO, Staff NCO, or Officer. The first violation is typically a verbal or written counseling, second a written counseling along with a specific form of deterrence such as: reporting in to the duty NCO every four hours through out the day, even in the members off time. Third violation will usually result in a much harsher punishment such as a Page Eleven, Sixty-one Zero-five, or Nonjudicial Punishment, Court-Martial, and Administrative separation from the service. If taken to Nonjudicial Punishment member could end up losing rank, pay, and be confined to restriction. It is all about accountability. Though normally accountability is an individual responsibility it may become a unit responsibility or the responsibility of a superior to ensure you are where you are supposed to be at the appointed time. Not only will punitive action be taken but your peers will be affected as well. Some may…
