No blame · by the law only
Return from AWOL
What applies after the simplified programme ended, and what we do not promise. Commanders and the court make the decisions.
What has changed
The simplified programme has ended
AWOL means absence without leave. Here is what changed after the simplified programme ended. Resolution No. 767 allowed 100 calendar days for voluntary return from AWOL. As of 8 November 2026, that window has closed.
After 20 September 2026, voluntary return from AWOL follows the general procedure. It can go through the Military Law Enforcement Service, a reserve battalion or other bodies. You cannot choose the unit yourself.
Below are the steps following the Ministry of Defence explanation. This is not legal advice and not a promise.
Steps
How it works under the general procedure
The steps follow the Ministry of Defence explanation. Your situation may differ. For details, ask the Military Law Enforcement Service, the reserve battalion and the Ministry of Defence hotline.
We do not give legal advice. Legal questions are decided by the investigator, the prosecutor and the court; if needed, speak to a lawyer.
- 1
Where to go
The Military Law Enforcement Service gives information about reserve battalions. You can also report to a battalion on your own.
- 2
Order to enrol you in the battalion’s list
After arrival at the reserve battalion, its commander issues an order within three days at the latest. The order adds the service member to the list of personnel who have arrived temporarily.
- 3
A combat brigade’s letter, if there is one
Reserve battalion commanders accept and take into account recommendation letters from combat brigades that need replenishment; letters from support units are not taken into account. We do not promise that such a letter will exist in your case.
- 4
What about criminal liability
A service member who went AWOL for the first time during martial law may be released from criminal liability under Article 401(5) of the Criminal Code. For this, the person must ask the investigator, prosecutor or court themselves, and must have the commander’s written consent to continue service. The decision to release a person from criminal liability for going AWOL is taken by a court.
Good to know
What we do not promise
We do not promise letters or the consent of commanders, and we cannot decide for them: it depends on the unit’s needs.
We do not promise release from criminal liability: the court decides.
Leaving your contact on the site starts a conversation with a recruiter about possible steps. The recruiter does not give a legal assessment. The conversation does not commit you to anything.
For questions about returning to service, call the Ministry of Defence hotline: 1519.
Questions
What people usually ask
Can I choose the unit myself?
No. After 20 September 2026, voluntary return from AWOL follows the general procedure. It can go through the Military Law Enforcement Service, a reserve battalion or other bodies. You cannot choose the unit yourself. A combat brigade’s letter is taken into account, but it does not give you the right to choose a unit.
Is the simplified programme still running?
No. The simplified programme applied to those whose AWOL was recorded on or before 12 June 2026. If it was recorded on 13 June 2026 or later, return follows the general procedure. Resolution No. 767 allowed 100 calendar days for voluntary return from AWOL. As of 8 November 2026, that window has closed.
Do I need a combat brigade’s letter?
Reserve battalion commanders accept and take into account recommendation letters from combat brigades that need replenishment; letters from support units are not taken into account.
Will there be a criminal case?
The decision to release a person from criminal liability for going AWOL is taken by a court. The conditions are in step 4 above. We cannot say how it will go in your case.
Who do I call about returning?
Call the Ministry of Defence hotline: 1519. It handles questions about returning to military service.
How do I make sure this really is the brigade?
See the page “Check that it is really us”: it lists the official channels and the signs of scammers. We never ask for money to join.
Sources
Official and safe
Ministry of Defence explanation of voluntary return
The return procedure and release from liability: the primary sourceOpen on the Ministry of Defence siteMinistry of Defence hotline
For questions about returning to military serviceCallCheck that it is really us
The brigade’s official channels and the signs of scammersCheck the channels
Next step
A conversation with a recruiter does not commit you to anything
Leave your name and phone number. A recruiter will write or call, explain which steps are available now and answer your questions. The recruiter does not give a legal assessment. For how we handle the data you leave in the form, see the “Privacy” page.