Could Army Pvt. Travis King, just back from North Korea, face charges for desertion, going AWOL?

Image related to the return of Army Pvt. Travis King from North Korea

Could Army Pvt. Travis King, Returning from North Korea, Anticipate Possible Charges for Desertion?

Soldier Travis King, after an unauthorized absence in North Korea, could very possibly face legal ramifications following his assessment and debriefing at a military base in Texas. A possible future filled with military sanctions and legal repercussions looms for King, who sought refuge in one of the most oppressive regimes in the world.

The Possible Legal Predicament for Pvt. Travis King

Travis King, a cavalry scout, had already served a jail term in South Korea due to a conflict with the law enforcement in the country. This week, North Korea revealed that it would deport him after completing a probe into his actions. The nation's official Korean Central News Agency has reported that King confessed to illegally crossing into their territory, driven by disillusionment with the U.S. military and American society.

Assessing Physical and Mental Health Before Legal Consequences

However, before dealing with possible legal consequences, King's physical and mental health will be the immediate focus. At Brooke Army Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, King will undergo an examination. The U.S. Army South receives soldiers who have been held captive by hostile forces.

Reintegration treatment initiates with phases involving initial recovery, a comprehensive medical check-up, debriefing, and psychological decompression. The last phase is geared towards reuniting them with their families and ensuring continued emotional and physical care.

Desertion to North Korea: A Historical Perspective

There is historic precedent for desertion to North Korea, with examples such as Army Sgt. Charles Jenkins who deserted in 1965. Upon his plea of guilt to desertion and aiding the enemy, he was sentenced to a mere 25 days in a U.S. military jail in Japan and faced a dishonorable discharge. Prosecutions of soldiers for desertion or going AWOL have remained infrequent. It remains to be seen if Pvt. King will face a similar fate.

AWOL in Panmunjom, South Korea

King, who was scheduled to return to Fort Bliss in Texas after being released from jail, ended up joining a group visiting the Demilitarized Zone in Panmunjom instead. Abruptly, he crossed the heavily defended border into North Korea. Depending on the circumstances, punishments for going AWOL can range from jail time, loss of rank, to a dishonorable discharge. The more severe charge of desertion could lead to years of incarceration.

Army legal experts suggest that severe charges could be levied against King to deter others among the 28,000 U.S. troops in South Korea from adopting similar measures.

The decision on King's punishment is still pending and likely to follow his reintegration process, which could extend over the next few months.

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