During the six-year term of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a total of five thousand 58 members deserted the ranks of the Mexican Army, while 618 uniformed individuals were expelled for misconduct, from 2018 to June 2024, averaging 94 military personnel leaving each month during the previous government.
It is noteworthy that during López Obrador's government, no military personnel were reported missing, according to the report from the Secretariat of National Defense as of the second half of 2024.
Regarding desertion, the Army has recorded that one thousand 319 members abandoned in the year 2018, which is the largest figure in López Obrador's six-year term, with corporals leading the list, followed by soldiers, second sergeants, and first sergeants. In 2019, another significant figure of desertion was recorded, with 975 uniformed personnel breaking ranks with the Secretariat of National Defense.
As for military personnel discharged for misconduct, Sedena reported that in 2023 there was the highest number recorded with 153 members expelled, mainly soldiers, corporals, and sergeants. In 2022, 116 members were discharged for misconduct, with soldiers, corporals, and second sergeants being the most reported.
The members of the Secretariat of National Defense have the right to the Savings Fund and Retirement Insurance, benefiting those uniformed individuals with more than 20 years of service. The law establishes maximum retirement ages, from 50 years for enlisted personnel to 65 years for division generals.
