ARMY DIR 2025-20 — Determination And Reporting Of Missing, Absent-unknown, Absent Without Leave, And Duty Status-whereabouts Unknown Soldiers
ARMY DIR 2025-20 governs Army procedures for accounting for and reporting Soldiers who fail to report for duty.
- Publication number: ARMY DIR 2025-20
- Title: DETERMINATION AND REPORTING OF MISSING, ABSENT-UNKNOWN, ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE, AND DUTY STATUS-WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
- Date: 10/28/2025
- Proponent: ASA (M&RA)
- Status: ACTIVE
View ARMY DIR 2025-20 on armypubs.army.mil
The directive addresses absent-unknown, AWOL, missing, DUSTWUN, and desertion classifications. It sets timelines for duty-status changes, notifications, law enforcement reporting, casualty actions, and investigations.
Applies to: This directive applies to all Soldiers in the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve who are reportable to the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division (CMAOD) pursuant to Army Regulation 638-8.
Topics covered
- Absent-unknown duty status
- AWOL determinations
- DUSTWUN casualties
- Missing Soldier reporting
- Desertion reporting
- Law enforcement notifications
Questions and answers
How soon must a Soldier’s duty status change to absent-unknown?
Effective immediately, commanders will change the duty status of any Soldier determined to be absent from the place of duty to "absent-unknown." (paragraph 638-8)
How long can a Soldier remain in absent-unknown status?
Soldiers will not be carried in this duty status for longer than 48 hours. (paragraph 638-8)
When must unit commanders report an absent Soldier to Army law enforcement?
Unit commanders will report the Soldier's status to local Army law enforcement officials (Directorate of Emergency Services, or DES) within 3 hours of discovering the Soldier is absent. (paragraph 638-8)
When must the next of kin be notified that a Soldier is absent?
Unit commanders or their designated representatives will notify the next of kin within 8 hours of discovering the Soldier is absent. (paragraph 638-8)
When may a Soldier be reported as AWOL?
An AWOL determination can occur at any time once the Soldier is discovered absent from the place of duty; there is no requirement to wait 48 hours. (paragraph 638-8)