The Army is investigating the disappearance of two soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas.
Pfc. Jake Obad-Mathis and Pfc. Melvin Jones were last seen on post on Dec. 19, according to KVIA-ABC 7 in El Paso, Texas.
Chris Grey, a spokesman for the Army's Criminal Investigation Command, confirmed the soldiers' absence to Army Times.
"Special agents from [CID], along with other law enforcement agencies, are aggressively investigating the whereabouts of the two missing soldiers in question, and we take this matter very seriously," he said. "We are very concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of these soldiers."
A Fort Bliss spokesman said Obad-Mathis and Jones are both first-term soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division, but no other information was available.
The two 20-year-old soldiers were last seen in Jones' 2013 black Chevrolet Camaro on post, according to KVIA. The TV station website said Obad-Mathis is considered AWOL, but Jones was scheduled to be on leave until January.
Army officials told Army Times that the service tries to ascertain a missing soldier's location and the reason for the absence. After 30 consecutive days of being absent, the soldier is classified as Dropped From the Rolls, or DFR, and classified as a deserter. According to the officials, the Army does not actively look for deserters.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com .
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
