The attitude toward the act of going AWOL itself is not straightforward. In units where particular emphasis is placed on professionalism, discipline, and accountability, what is evaluated is not only the violation itself, but the circumstances that led to it and the person’s readiness to take responsibility for their actions.
In Azov, trust between a fighter, their brothers-in-arms, and their commanders is of great importance. Unauthorized absence is treated as a serious breach of military discipline, since every service member is an essential part of the fighting collective. Losing a person directly impacts the unit, increases the burden on other fighters, and can affect the execution of combat missions.
At the same time, the attitude toward those who seek to return to service is often distinct from the attitude toward the act of AWOL itself. If a service member understands the consequences of their decision, is prepared to go through the necessary procedures, and is ready to return to duty, their service after AWOL is assessed through the lens of their subsequent actions.
For many commanders and brothers-in-arms, what matters is not only the mistake that was made, but the person’s capacity to acknowledge it and return to the ranks.
This is especially true of service members who previously performed their combat duties conscientiously, have combat experience, and held the respect of their peers. In such cases, a service return may be seen as an act of responsibility and a genuine desire to make things right. That said, trust is not automatically restored. It must be earned through actions, discipline, and a demonstrated commitment to the collective effort.
For Azov, what has always mattered is not only professional skill, but a fighter’s personal character: honesty, accountability, loyalty to the unit, and the willingness to own one’s decisions. This is why the reinstatement process after AWOL is regarded not merely as a legal formality, but as an opportunity for the service member to demonstrate their motivation to return and to once again become a full and meaningful part of the fighting collective.
