deserter

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A person who has physically removed him- or herself from the control or direction of a military or naval unit with the intention of permanently leaving
2. 2
   A person who has physically removed him- or herself from the control or direction of a military or naval unit with the intention of permanently leaving: Under the United States Code of Military Justice, a person who has been placed on AWOL status for more than 30 days
3. 3
   One who is familiar with the desert climate and environment.