Q: Is desertion the abandonment of a duty or post without permission and is done with the intention of not returning? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Was desertion especially common in 1814? ¶
A: Yes, when enlistment bonuses were increased from $16 to $124, inducing many men to desert one unit and enlist in another to get two bonuses.
Q: Were desertions by "professional" bounty men? ¶
A: Yes, and men who would enlist to collect the often large cash bonuses and then desert at the earliest opportunity to repeat another enlistment elsewhere.
Q: Was desertion in response to widespread Afghan opposition rather than personal aggravation towards the Soviet army? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Were desertions probably a response to the harsh weather conditions of the winter and immense field work required in the summer? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Was desertion a major factor for the Confederacy in the last two years of the war? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is desertion found among Border Troops? ¶
A: Yes, and ranging from 60–80% during the first year of the Soviet invasion.
Q: Is desertion controversial? ¶
A: Yes, and particularly considering the age of some of the soldiers and the potential of shell-shock.
Q: Was desertion a massive drain on British army resources? ¶
A: Yes, and despite the threat of court martial and the possibility of the capital punishment for the crime.