During basic combat training, 2,072 enlisted men were classified as being either AWOL or Non-AWOL. Three hundred of these men were similarly classified after 90 days in their initial unit assignment. AWOL and Non-AWOL soldiers were then compared to determine whether certain factors could be used to predict which soldiers would go AWOL or to predict ratings of acquired military skills and of leadership potential. The results indicate that AWOL and Non-AWOL subjects differed on personality, education, intelligence, aptitude, and military component. No differences were found in attitude toward the Army, race, or physical status. AWOL and Non-AWOL subjects differed in age during initial unit assignment, but only among 17- and 18-year-old soldiers during basic combat training. Only 19-year-old and older subjects differed in career orientation. In general, the same factors that were related to AWOL were related also to military skill and leadership potential. (Author)