.png)
Absence Without Leave (AWOL) is a critical offense within the military, governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This offense occurs when a service member fails to report to their appointed place of duty, leaves without permission, or is absent from their unit or duty station without authorization. The severity of AWOL charges highlights the importance of discipline and accountability in the armed forces, with penalties ranging from forfeiture of pay to confinement and dishonorable discharge.
The AWOL Allegations Against Captain Juan Gale
In December 2022, Captain Juan Gale, a 34-year-old Afro-Latino who has served honorably in the Air Force for nearly 17 years, faced the accusation of being AWOL. This accusation came from Colonel Kevin P. Coyle and Lt Colonel Richard S. Higashi, who claimed that Captain Gale had been absent for five months without authorization.
Despite these serious allegations, Captain Gale presented multiple memos and testimonies from his supervisors and colleagues, all confirming his presence at work during the supposed AWOL period. This evidence strongly contradicted the claims made by Colonel Coyle and Lt Colonel Higashi, raising concerns about the motivations behind the accusation.
This article aims to educate the public and highlight the consistent missteps in the case of Juan Gale. This false AWOL accusation is the most basic example of how false allegations have impacted Captain Juan Gale and have served as the fuel needed, to further the malicious prosecution by command at Tinker.
The Impact of AWOL Accusations
The accusation of AWOL is not merely a charge but a reflection of a service member’s commitment and reliability. In the military, where trust and discipline are paramount, such accusations can tarnish reputations, disrupt careers, and strain mental health. For Captain Gale, the AWOL accusation was just one part of a broader campaign of alleged mistreatment and false accusations that significantly impacted his career and well-being.
Unlawful Command Influence and Its Implications
During the pretrial Article 32 hearing, it was revealed that the AWOL charge, along with other accusations, was part of a larger effort to discredit Captain Gale. The airmen who initially accused him of favoritism, sexism, harassment, and abuse of power admitted under oath that their accusations were baseless and motivated by personal dislike.
In addition, it was uncovered in court that Colonel Coyle had pressed forward with the AWOL and other charges under orders from Major General Michael G. Koscheski. This act of unlawful command influence violated Article 37 of the UCMJ, which prohibits unauthorized influence on court-martial proceedings. Such manipulations of the justice system underscore the potential for abuse of power within military leadership.
The Broader Context and Call for Reform
Captain Gale’s case is a stark reminder of the potential for misuse of AWOL accusations as a tool for personal vendettas and power plays within the military. It highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure that such serious charges are not wielded unjustly.
For service members, the fear of false AWOL accusations can undermine morale and trust in leadership. It is crucial for the military to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that all accusations are thoroughly and impartially investigated.
The story of Captain Juan Gale and the AWOL accusation against him serves as a critical lesson in the importance of integrity and accountability in military leadership. It calls for reforms to protect service members from false charges and unlawful command influence, ensuring that justice prevails and trust in the military justice system is restored.
To learn more about the case of Captain Juan Gale, read a timeline of events, or read through frequently asked questions, visit justice4juangale.com.
Comments