what does M.I.A mean? I know the acronym is Missing In Action, but when it's used does it mean the person in question is dead, or does it mean they can't find him so they assume he's dead? I know it's a dumb question, this is more to make sure I'm using the term properly so that I don't sound like an idiot xD
A soldier who is MIA is one who vanished in the line of duty without a trace. The MIA designation indicates that he is believed dead, but they have no evidence either way. Lex
it more or less depends on the situation, if a soldier is put on guard duty and the next morning there gone with any trace or show of force he or she is more likely to be put on AWOL status Absent With Out Leave (permission) AWOL. However if there are signs of a struggle, fire fight etc he'll prolly be put on MIA, if there vehicle gets ambushed and a search team doesn't find the crew they'll likely be put on POW status unless there are obvious signs that they were killed (KIA) or fled the area to a different location (MIA)
