The specifics of the situation are as follows: I called my unit prior to drill and explained that my phone was broken and I had no way of being contacted. Unit leadership told me to report for drill. On the way to drill I hit a deer and had no way to report it. Now the unit is reporting me AWOL.
This response is provide based on the information you provided. You should not use this content as the sole source in making your decision. Seek guidance from your chain of command, JAG, IG., or other appropriate agency. Do your own research. Then make an informed decision.
I would encourage you to read AR 630-10 as it concerns the AWOL process. Generally, unit leadership will understand the situation you described. If you are required to provide some type of proof it should be easy to show your phone was broken and I would imagine you filed a police report and/or an insurance claim with regard to hitting the deer. If you can show evidence to the chain of command, I would think most reasonable leaders would reverse the AWOL action and not hold you at fault for missing drill.
If you are able to present evidence showing that you could not have reasonably made it to drill and the unit insist on counting you as AWOL you have several options. See the battalion/brigade commander on open door policy, file an IG complaint, and/or file an Article 138 Complaint (formal complaint against a commander).
You might find the videos from Mentor Military Helpful:
How to File a Formal Complaint Against Your Commanding Officer – Article 138: https://youtu.be/Xe0UXbvW8No
How to File a Complaint with the Inspector General: https://youtu.be/cDo7XHcO3Nw
How to Voice Your Concerns and Obtain Results: https://youtu.be/BM1JS_j54GI
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