What is a man who left military service without permission called?

Technically if they leave without permission it is AWOL...Absent With Out Leave. If they don't return after a certain time it is dessertion.

during war-time, a deserter could be executed, in most countries if caught.

You are AWOL up to 30 days, the next day you are considered a deserter.

Gary, my brother was considered AWOL while in the navy. He was actually in the bethesda naval hospital with a ruptured appendix. it seems the hospital never contacted his base.

millwallmarty, That sounds exactly like what Gary just said.

Gary, Also I thought they would be charged because the law?

Sorry Uninitialized, in Australia it's Absent Without Leave. I'm ex RACMP and one of my duties was locating AWOL Defence personnel (usually Army). I can't remember any of the long term AWOLs being charged with desertion, probably a peacetime thing,they usually got a sentence for over 14 days which meant they were sent to the main military prison at Ingleburn and then got discharged once they'd completed their sentence. Got charged with it myself as a Lance Jack when I was 30 mins late for parade Had to dress in full parade gear and had a two man escort march me before the OC who fined me $30 (a lot of money in those days and on that poor pay) and then handed me my Corporal's stripes and ordered they be attached within 15 minutes. The $30 went over the bar at the mess that night.

hey I am nita please put majority voice please or double chance

Diver Dan, Maybe even be charged as a spy attempting to conceal identity.