1. Process an AWOL/DFR Packets
April 2019

2. “AWOL in Canada”

3. Learning Objective ACTION:
Process Absent Without Leave and Dropped from Rolls Packet
Conditions: In a classroom environment, given a personal computer with access to eMILPO, AR , AR , DA Pam 600-8, AR , AR , student handout, and awareness of the Operational Environment (OE), variables and actors.
STANDARDS:
1. Obtained all documents required in the DFR packet.
2. Assembled all documents required in the DFR packet Forwarded all documents through the supporting Brigade to USADIP (United States Army Deserter Information Point).
SHOW SLIDE#3 (Terminal Learning Objective)
NOTE: Inform the students of the following Terminal Learning Objective.
NOTE: Inform the students of the SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, and the RISK ASSESSMENT.
ACTION:
Process a Dropped From Roll (DFR) Packet
Conditions: In a classroom environment, given a personal computer with access to eMILPO, AR , AR , DA Pam 600-8, AR , AR and student handout.
STANDARDS:
1. Obtained all documents required in the DFR packet.
2. Assembled all documents required in the DFR packet.
3. Forwarded all documents through the supporting Brigade to USADIP (United States Army Deserter Information Point).
Input transactions associated with DFR processing using the eMILPO database.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. In a training environment, leaders must perform a risk assessment in accordance with FM 5-19, Composite Risk Management. Leaders will complete a DA Form 7566 COMPOSITE RISK MANAGEMENT WORKSHEET during the planning and completion of each task and sub-task by assessing mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and civil considerations, (METT-TC). Note: During MOPP training, leaders must ensure personnel are monitored for potential heat injury. Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the MOPP work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW FM , NBC Protection, FM , CBRN Decontamination.
No food or drink is allowed near or around electrical equipment (CPU, file servers, printers, projectors, etc.) due to possible electrical shock or damage to equipment.  Exercise care in personal movement in and through such areas.  Avoid all electrical cords and associated wiring.  In event of electrical storm, you will be instructed to power down equipment. Everyone is responsible for safety.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL. Low.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Environmental protection is not just the law but the right thing to do. It is a continual process and starts with deliberate planning. Always be alert to ways to protect our environment during training and missions. In doing so, you will contribute to the sustainment of our training resources while protecting people and the environment from harmful effects. Refer to FM Environmental Considerations and GTA ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED RISK ASSESSMENT.
EVALUATION. Students will be evaluated during the completion of the Practical Exercise.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN. Units account for soldiers from their initial arrival (ARR) date or specified reporting date in orders (whichever is earlier), to actual departure (DPRT) date, date dropped from rolls (DFR), date dropped from strength (DFS), date of separation (SEP) from active duty, or the date of death. Bottom line up front, accounting for our Soldiers is a commander and S-1 responsibility!

4. Duty Status
Definition: The availability of personnel to their assigned or attached unit. It is reported daily and used in strength accounting. Soldiers who are available to perform normal duties are considered Present for Duty (PDY).
SHOW SLIDE#4 (Duty Status)
a. The availability of personnel to their assigned or attached unit. It is reported daily and used in strength accounting. Soldiers who are available to perform normal duties are considered Present for Duty (PDY).

5. Absent Without Leave Soldier is considered AWOL when:
Fails to report to his or her appointed place of duty at the time prescribed
Leaves their place of duty without proper authority
Absent or remains absent from their unit, organization, or required place of duty
Fails to report to a transportation terminal (e.g. train station, airport or harbor) as ordered thereby missing a movement (e.g. fails to report to AIT, duty station or a deployment)
SHOW SLIDE#5 (Absent Without Leave
b. Absent Without Leave (AWOL). Soldiers are considered AWOL when:
(1) Fails to go to his or her appointed place of duty at the time prescribed.
(2) Goes from their place of duty without proper authority.
(3) Is absent or remains absent from their unit, organization, or required place of duty.
(4) Fails to report to a transportation terminal as ordered.
(5) Fails to report to his or her proper duty station as needed.
AR , Glossary, Section II, Terms

6. AWOL (Reception Station)
Enter an eMILPO transaction for Soldiers who fail to arrive when the reporting date is not contradicted by available data.
Initiate an inquiry to determine the individual’s location and possible reasons for absence after reporting status.
Obtain information from the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) on the individual’s processing and two copies of orders to verify individual entered active duty
Contact next of kin (NOK) requesting information on the individual’s location.
Notify the Provost Marshal within 24 hours after a Soldier is reported AWOL
Record results of the inquiry on DA Form Change duty status to AWOL
Report all absentees as deserters after 30 consecutive days of AWOL.
NOTE: Show Slide # 13 (Day 1 of AWOL)
d. Soldier must be absent from place of duty over 24 hours before being reported as AWOL
e. Effective date/time of AWOL is date/time the Soldier was not at prescribed place of duty (such as in formation, etc)
f. Reference for effective date/time of AWOL is Article 86 Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) which states,
“Unauthorized absence under Article 86 is an instantaneous offense. It is complete at the instant an accused absents himself or herself without authority.”

7. AWOL (Unit of Assignment)
Conducts an immediate inquiry to determine the Soldier’s location and possible reasons for absence.
Notifies the Provost Marshal within 24 hours of the Soldier’s absence.
Records the results of the inquiry on DA Form Change duty status to AWOL.
Notifies the NOK of the Soldier by letter mailed on the 10th day of AWOL or when the absentee has sought political asylum or is voluntarily residing in a foreign country.
Ensures timely coordination with the installation deserter control officer.
NOTE: Show Slide #14 (DAY 1 OF AWOL (Within 24 Hours) (cont.)
g. Unit Commander
(1) Notifies BN S1 of AWOL status of Soldier
(2) Notifies Provost Marshall Office (PMO) and submits a DA Form 4187 changing duty status from Present for Duty (PDY) to AWOL
(3) Provides servicing Defense & Finance Accounting (DFAS) Office with a copy of the stamped DA Form 4187 (PDY to AWOL)
(4) Ensures timely coordination with the appropriate Installation DCO as applicable:
(a) BDE S1 for PSDR units or
(b) DHR, MPD for non-PSDR units and TRADOC units at IET managed by permanent party or student populations
h. BDE S1
(1) Prepares DA Form 4187 (PDY to AWOL) NLT 1000 hours the following duty day (AR , Para 1-13b(1)
(2) Submits Electronic Military Personnel Office (eMILPO) Duty Status (DYST) change from PDY to AWOL
i. Provost Marshall initiates a Military Police (MP) report and blotter entry

8. AWOL (In Transit) Gaining Unit
Reconcile the due in list with the Soldiers that in processed. If no information is available on the reasons for the for the Soldier’s absence report the Soldier as absent within 48 hours.
Attach the Soldier using the reporting date in the orders when the Soldier fails to arrive.
After Soldier is Attached
Notify the installation provost marshal, installation deserter control officer, and the military pay office within 48 hours that the Soldier has not reported.
Contact losing unit commander, Replacement organization (if applicable), and HRC career management division.
Contact personnel service center that issued PCS orders. Request information on amendments, revocations and port call dates (if applicable).
Maintain 15 day suspense file for replies.
NOTE: Show Slide #15 (DAY 2 OF AWOL (Within 48 Hours
j. Unit Supply
(1) Inventories and secures all personal and government property
(2) Retains copy of inventory in unit files
k. BDE S1
(1) Prepares DA Form 268 [Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag)] for Unit Commander’s signature
(2) Distributes Flag to appropriate DCO
(3) Ensures AWOL Soldiers are deleted from assignment instructions
l. Brigade S1 will submit copies of DA 4187 (PDY to AWL) and DA 268 to update ERUP Code in RETAIN
Unit Commander will notify Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to update status of Soldier IAW DA PAM 600-8, Table 9-2, Step 15e

9. AWOL (In Transit)(cont.)
If no response within 15 days
Contact again and set another 15 day suspense.
Include second request statement “this is a second request.”
Send letter informing NOK that Soldier has not reported. Letter is not a written notice of AWOL, but asks NOK if they have any information on Soldier’s location.
Report Soldier AWOL if there is no information on Soldiers location within 30 days. Effective date of AWOL is the original reporting date in the orders.
Report Soldier as deserter after 30 consecutive days of AWOL.
NOTE: Show Slide #15 (DAY 2 OF AWOL (Within 48 Hours
j. Unit Supply
(1) Inventories and secures all personal and government property
(2) Retains copy of inventory in unit files
k. BDE S1
(1) Prepares DA Form 268 [Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag)] for Unit Commander’s signature
(2) Distributes Flag to appropriate DCO
(3) Ensures AWOL Soldiers are deleted from assignment instructions
l. Brigade S1 will submit copies of DA 4187 (PDY to AWL) and DA 268 to update ERUP Code in RETAIN
Unit Commander will notify Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to update status of Soldier IAW DA PAM 600-8, Table 9-2, Step 15e

10. Deserter Dropped from Rolls (DFR
Soldiers will be reported as DFR when any one of the following occurs:
They remain AWOL for 30 consecutive days.
The unit commander believes the Soldier voluntarily sought political asylum or is living in a foreign country apart from official duties or authorized leave.
The Soldier has joined the armed forces of another country.
There is reasonable belief that the Soldier has left his or her duty station with the intent to avoid hazardous duty or important service, or intends to remain permanently absent. An expressed intention not to return to a particular unit is not enough evidence to drop the Soldier from the rolls of the Army.
The Soldier fails to return to a unit from which he or she is AWOL after return to military control (RMC) at another location or departs prior to the completion of administrative, judicial, or non-judicial action for a previous action.
c. Soldiers will be reported as DFR when any one of the following occurs:
(1) They remain AWOL for 30 consecutive days.
(2) The unit commander believes the Soldier voluntarily sought political asylum or is living in a foreign country apart from official duties or authorized leave.
(3) The Soldier has joined the armed forces of another country.
(4) There is reasonable belief that the Soldier has left his or her duty station with the intent to avoid hazardous duty or important service, or intends to remain permanently absent. An expressed intention not to return to a particular unit is not enough evidence to drop the Soldier from the rolls of the Army.
(5) The Soldier fails to return to a unit from which he or she is AWOL after return to military control (RMC) at another location or departs prior to the completion of administrative, judicial, or nonjudicial action for a previous action.

11. Deserter Dropped from Rolls (DFR) Cont.
He or she escapes from confinement.
Identified as a special category absentee.
A commissioned officer tenders his or her resignation and, before notice of its acceptance; departs his post or proper duties without leave and with the intent to remain away permanently.
A member of the Armed Forces leaves and remains absent from his or her unit, organization, or place of duty with the intent to remain away permanently.
(6) He or she escapes from confinement.
(7) Identified as a special category absentee.
(8) A commissioned officer tenders his or her resignation and, before notice of its acceptance; departs his post or proper duties without leave and with the intent to remain away permanently.
(9) A member of the Armed Forces goes from and remains absent from his or her unit, organization, or place of duty with intent to remain away permanently.

12. Deserter Control Officer (DCO)
AR , Para 1-4i & AR 190-9, Para 1-4h require the Special Court-Martial (Grade 06 and above) convening authority (i.e. Garrison CDR or BDE CDR as applicable) to appoint a DCO who:
Verifies accurate preparation of all Soldiers DFR for dispatch to USADIP within 30 days after the Soldier is DFR.
Ensures proper coordination between law enforcement officials and personnel administrators at all command levels.
Coordinate processing of deserters with the USADIP to assist in their timely reporting and return to military(Return to Military Control).
Keep the parent Unit CDR informed of the Soldier’s status.
AR , Section II (Terms), Deserter Control Officer
“A commissioned officer (normally a battalion and / or unit adjutant who is appointed in DFR cases to ensure that documentation cited in this regulation is provided in a timely manner.”
Installation DCOs are appointed as appropriate per installation configuration (i.e. Forces Command (FORSCOM) or Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
BDE S1 for Personnel Services Delivery Redesign (PSDR) units.
Directorate of Human Resources (DHR), Military Personnel Division (MPD) for non-PSDR units and TRADOC units at Initial Entry Training (IET) managed by permanent party or student populations.
NOTE: Show Slide #12 (DESERTER CONTROL OFFICER (DCO)
a. AR , Para 1-4i & AR 190-9, Para 1-4h require the Special Court-Martial (Grade 06 and above) convening authority (i.e. Garrison CDR or BDE CDR as applicable) to appoint a DCO who:
(1) Verifies accurate preparation of all Soldiers DFR for dispatch to USADIP within 5 days after the Soldier is DFR (31st Day of AWOL)
(2) Ensures proper coordination between law enforcement officials and personnel administrators
(3) Monitor deserter’s status to RMC(Return to Military Control)
(4) Keep the parent Unit CDR informed of the Soldier’s status
b. AR , Section II (Terms), Deserter Control Officer
“A commissioned officer (normally a battalion and / or unit adjutant who is appointed in DFR cases to ensure that documentation cited in this regulation is provided in a timely manner.”
c. Installation DCOs are appointed as appropriate per installation configuration (i.e. Forces Command (FORSCOM) or Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
(1) BDE S1 for Personnel Services Delivery Redesign (PSDR) units
(2) Directorate of Human Resources (DHR), Military Personnel Division (MPD) for non-PSDR units and TRADOC units at Initial Entry Training (IET) managed by permanent party or student populations.
NOTE: Refer students to DA PAM 600-8, Table Examples of the forms are also in the student handout. Tell the students that DA PAM 600-8, Table 9-12 has changed per Milper Message , but table 9-12 will still be used.
NOTE: The duty status changes for attached Soldiers will be reported in the Army Human Resources System by the parent unit. The unit of attachment will prepare a DA Form 4187 and forward it to the Soldier's parent organization to generate the appropriate Army Human Resources System transaction.

13. Dropped From Rolls Procedures
The unit commander 
Completes DA Form 4187, changing duty status from AWOL to DFR. Notifies military pay office within 48 hours of the Soldiers change in duty status.
Completes DD Form 553 and sends to supporting provost marshal.
Files court martial charges on DD Form 458.
Forwards original copy of deserter packet to the U.S. Army Deserter Information Point (USADIP).
Completes timely and accurate coordination with the installation deserter control officer.
An Absentee will not be dropped from rolls
While under military control.
While confined by civilian authorities, however can be DFR on eMILPO if confined for 6 months or longer.
While admitted to civilian medical facility.
If absentee dies before desertion report is prepared.
SHOW SLIDE#8 (Required Documents for Processing DFR Packet)
D. Documents will be scanned to
(1) DD FORM 553 (DESERTER/ABSENTEE WANTED BY THE ARMED FORCES)
Unit Commanders must submit through the provost marshal per AR 190-9, para 3-2, verified by
the DCO/BDE S1 for accuracy, and scanned as a separate attachment to USAIDIP.  The DD form
553 will not be returned to the DCO/BDE S1 after review.  USAIDIP will hold the DD form 553
until the case is closed.   This is the most important document for processing the warrant for
arrest.  Section 18 must be signed by the commander (co level and above).  for block 19, it is
important to ID any peculiarities in appearance, tattoos, scars, marks, or characteristics that
would assist in their arrest.  Submit photos with the packet if available and indicate if the Soldier
was suspected of a criminal act or pending UCMJ action at the time of absence.
(2) DA FORM 4187 (PERSONNEL ACTION – PDY TO AWOL).  
Ensure distribution is made to the defense finance accounting service (DFAS), eMILPO
transaction is completed, defense enrollment eligibility reporting system (DEERS) is updated, and
scan to USAIDIP for review.  once reviewed for accuracy and completeness, USAIDIP will return
to DCO/BDES1 for upload to iPERMS.
(3) DA FORM 4187 (PERSONNEL ACTION – AWOL TO DFR).  
Ensure distribution is made to DFAS within 48 hours, DEERS updated, and scan to USAIDIP for
review.  once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE S1 for
upload to iPERMS.    

14. Special Category Absentee
Soldiers who are SCAs may have had access to especially sensitive information prior to their absence and should be a high priority for apprehension and RMC. Due to the potential threat of the loss of classified information, all feasible and lawful actions which could reasonably lead to the apprehension of the SCA should be taken to safely return the Soldier to military control.
Upon notification of special category absentee the unit commander 
Conducts an immediate inquiry to confirm Soldier’s absence.
Immediately notifies provost marshal.
Appoints representative to coordinate all actions concerning the absentee.
Prepares DD Form 553, ensure “special category absentee” is recorded on form.
Sends DD Form 553 to provost marshal regardless of length of absence
Sends copy of DD Form 553 to USADIP
SHOW SLIDE#8 (Required Documents for Processing DFR Packet)
D. Documents will be scanned to
(1) DD FORM 553 (DESERTER/ABSENTEE WANTED BY THE ARMED FORCES)
Unit Commanders must submit through the provost marshal per AR 190-9, para 3-2, verified by
the DCO/BDE S1 for accuracy, and scanned as a separate attachment to USAIDIP.  The DD form
553 will not be returned to the DCO/BDE S1 after review.  USAIDIP will hold the DD form 553
until the case is closed.   This is the most important document for processing the warrant for
arrest.  Section 18 must be signed by the commander (co level and above).  for block 19, it is
important to ID any peculiarities in appearance, tattoos, scars, marks, or characteristics that
would assist in their arrest.  Submit photos with the packet if available and indicate if the Soldier
was suspected of a criminal act or pending UCMJ action at the time of absence.
(2) DA FORM 4187 (PERSONNEL ACTION – PDY TO AWOL).  
Ensure distribution is made to the defense finance accounting service (DFAS), eMILPO
transaction is completed, defense enrollment eligibility reporting system (DEERS) is updated, and
scan to USAIDIP for review.  once reviewed for accuracy and completeness, USAIDIP will return
to DCO/BDES1 for upload to iPERMS.
(3) DA FORM 4187 (PERSONNEL ACTION – AWOL TO DFR).  
Ensure distribution is made to DFAS within 48 hours, DEERS updated, and scan to USAIDIP for
review.  once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE S1 for
upload to iPERMS.    

15. Documentation for Dropped from Rolls Packet
Unit/S1
DA Form 4187 (PDY to AWOL).
DA Form 4187 (AWOL to DFR).
DD Form 458 (Charge Sheet).
DD Form 553 (Deserter/Absentee Wanted by the Armed Forces).
10 Day AWOL NOK Notification Letter.
31 Day DFR NOK Notification Letter
Additional Documents that may be required per local installation policies
DA Form 268 (FLAG)
DA Form 137 (Installation Clearance Record)
Inventory of military clothing record
Security Clearance Removal Memorandum
SHOW SLIDE#9 (Required Documents for Processing DFR Packet) Cont.
e. DCO/BDE S1 must verify that items are in iPERMS
(1) DD Form 458 (Charge Sheet), Scan to USAIDIP for review.  once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE s1 for upload to iPERMS.
(2) Commander’s 10 Day AWOL Letter to Next of Kin (NOK), Scan to USAIDIP for review.  Once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE S1 for upload to iPERMS.
(3) Commander’s 31 Day DFR Letter to NOK Scan to USAIDIP for review.  Once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE s1 for upload to iPERMS.
(4) Combined AWOL and DFR Letter to NOK (for one day drops only as applicable), Scan to USAIDIP for review.  Once reviewed for accuracy and completion, USAIDIP will return to DCO/BDE S1 for upload to iPERMS.
(5) DCO/BDE S1 must verify that items are in iPERMS
(6) DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data), verify document is in iPERMS.
(7) Forms 4/1, 2, 3 (Enlistment/Re-enlistment Contract), verify document is in iPERMS.
(8) DD Form 1966 (Record of Military Processing), verify document is in iPERMS.
(9) SF 86 (Questionnaire For National Security Positions), verify document is in iPERMS.

16. Return to Military Control
Absentees/Deserters are returned to military control when they-
Surrender to military authorities
Are delivered by civilian law enforcement and a military detainer has been placed against the individual
Are receiving medical treatment in civilian medical facilities but cannot be transferred to a military medical facility
Have entered another United States armed service
Documents Required
DA Form 201 (Military Personnel Records Jacket, U.S. Army)
DA Form 4187
DD Form 616 (prepared by provost marshal)
NOTE: Show Slide #24 (Return to Military Control Procedures)
cc. Initial Entry Training (IET). Deserters to include Reserve Component [US Army Reserve (USAR) & US Army National Guard (ARNG) ] Soldiers will be RMC to the Personnel Control Facility (PCF) for assessment back into the Army providing USADIP has a DFR packet for the Soldier AR Para 4-6d.
dd. In-Transition Permanent Change of Station (PCS) from CONUS to OCONUS. Deserters are RMC to their CONUS losing unit (less IET) (AR , Para 4-6a(1).
ee. In-Transition (PCS) from OCONUS to CONUS. Deserters will RMC to their gaining unit (AR , Para 4-6a(1) .