AWOL is taking off from base to party or run off to Canada. This was a combat area. This wasn't AWOL, this was actually putting others in harm's way.
I thought I'd revive this debate, with the following clip. If those of you who failed to see the reckless, negligent, near-sighted and inexcusably stupid decision that the President made in trading prisoners for Bergdhal, here, let me put a face on that for you. Skip to the 4:05 mark, of the video embedded in the article and have a watch. Oh, and for those scoring at home - this is EXACTLY what we told you that the decision to exchange prisoners for hostages would cause to occur: Link: http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/kayla-mueller-was-raped-isis-leader-family-told-n410171