Factual error: At the beginning of the episode Rabb evades two heat seeking missiles while flying a Mig-29. When Sarah asks him how he did it, he explains that he got them between the missiles and the sun which made the missiles target the sun instead since "it is a bigger target." While the sun is indeed a far larger source of infrared radiation than a fighter jet, all anti air missiles since the 1950s come equipped with navigation systems in their nose that contain an optical filter. This filters out unwanted data, including the specific infrared radiation coming from the sun. Hence it is impossible for modern anti-air heat seeking missiles to target the sun.
Factual error: The caps worn by sailors on ships, always have the name of the ship, along with the hull number. However, the caps worn by the crew of the USS Reprisal was "CVN-35", where the hull number of the ship they used "69"
Character mistake: When Harm is questioning agent Novack about whether there was an "angry demeanor" amongst the Marines on the day of the shooting, Mac objects that he is "leading the witness." However, Novack was her witness to begin with, and Harm was cross-examining her. Leading questions are permitted during cross-examination; as an experienced trial lawyer, Mac should know this.
Mr. Rabb Goes to Washington - S4-E8
Continuity mistake: The lone shark's thugs break down Mac's door trying to get to her husband, Chris Ragle, who is hiding in her apartment. Although the door is splintered to pieces, later that night, the same door is back in perfect condition, including the custom paint job that matches the interior decor of the apartment.
Continuity mistake: When Rabb takes off with the F-117 in the Iranian desert we see bushes when he lifts off, however in the next shot, when we see the Nighthawk from the front, the bushes are gone.
Continuity mistake: After Big Bud punches Dobie, younger Bud is visible having run around a corner to help break up the fight. In the next shot, Bud is nowhere to be seen and he runs around the corner again. (00:12:30)
Audio problem: When Mikey asks Bud if he can stay at the party in the bar, his mouth isn't in sync with the words. (00:35:25)
Answer: Officially, the individual has been ordered to attend, failing to could be interpreted as either, Failure to follow orders, dereliction of duty, going AWOL, or even desertion. It would depend on the underlying reason as to why the person doesn't appear.