"AWOL - Absent WithOut Leave" is a science fiction anime series set in a dystopian future where humanity is locked in a perpetual war against an advanced alien species known as the "Xenoids." The story centers on a group of soldiers who desert their military unit, going AWOL, after uncovering a conspiracy that implicates their own government in unethical experiments and the manipulation of the war for political gain. The narrative explores themes of survival, morality, and the cost of rebellion in a world where trust is scarce and betrayal is commonplace.

The protagonist, Lieutenant Kael Armitage, is a skilled but disillusioned soldier who leads the deserters. Kael's decision to abandon his post is driven by the discovery of Project Erebus, a clandestine initiative that uses captured Xenoids to create hybrid soldiers, blurring the line between human and alien. Alongside Kael is Sergeant Mira Voss, a tactical expert with a personal vendetta against the Xenoids, and Corporal Jax Teller, a tech-savvy engineer who provides the group with critical support. Together, they navigate a hostile landscape filled with enemy patrols, rogue factions, and the ever-present threat of their former comrades hunting them down.

As the group evades capture, they uncover deeper layers of the conspiracy, including the government's use of propaganda to control public perception and the true nature of the Xenoids' origins. The series delves into the psychological toll of war, with flashbacks revealing the characters' past traumas and motivations. The deserters must also grapple with internal conflicts, as differing ideologies and personal agendas threaten to fracture their fragile alliance.

The plot is driven by a series of high-stakes missions, including infiltrating military facilities, sabotaging enemy operations, and rescuing civilians caught in the crossfire. The narrative builds toward a climactic confrontation with the government's elite forces, culminating in a revelation that challenges the very foundation of the war and humanity's role in it. The series concludes with an open-ended resolution, leaving room for interpretation regarding the characters' fates and the future of their rebellion.