Regulation 18

Where a board inquiring into the absence of a serviceman reports that he has been absent without leave or other sufficient cause for a period specified in the report, not being less than 21 days, a record of the report shall be entered in the service book.

A record entered under paragraph (1) shall, unless the absentee subsequently surrenders or is arrested, or the report of the board is annulled by the Armed Forces Council or a subsequent board, have the like effect as a conviction by a court-martial for desertion.