Desertion' (4 letters) The term 'illegally off base' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: AWOL and 'DESERTION'. AWOL stands for 'Absent Without Leave', which is a military term used to describe when a soldier leaves their post without permission or authorization. 'DESERTION' is the act of abandoning one's post or duty without permission or authorization. Both terms refer to the same concept, that of leaving one's post without permission or authorization, and are often used interchangeably.