What is the difference between AWOL and desertion in the US Army?

It’s from “brigantine”, a kind of two-masted vessel. Originally the abbreviate referred to the vessel, but from about 1850 it came to refer also to a naval prison, and later to a military prison. A brigantine was a fairly small vessel, and - wild guess - possibly the prison was called a “brig” because of the confined space it offered.

In due course “brig” stopped being applied to the vessel, and came to refer exclusively to the prison.

No info, just anecdote. The only WWII story my father would ever tell me (he drove a tank into battles) was about the time he learned that his brother was in the same area and the two of them snuck out to meet and have a drink. AWOL, and not caught.

Thanks to all.

Bump by OP…update on the whole shebang

Taliban: 5 freed from US military prison now in Qatar office