I really don't think the Army can find Bergdahl guilty of desertion, based on some of the comments here. I personally find it outrageous that anyone would think sending a man to prison for a questionable action who has spent five years of his life in a living hell. We would as a country really do that? We are a sick country.
Somehow this report dwelt so much on what Bergdal claimed to have went through in the hands of his "captors" without a word on why he deserted in the first place. Is it reasonable to conclude that this reporter supports his action and/or is as ashamed of the U.S. as Bergdahl?
2
As a combat veteran, I cannot sympathize with Bergdahl if guilty. If the court martial finds him guilty, the court will have found that he deserted in combat, abandoning his comrades, weakening his unit and increasing the risk of death and maiming for those who stayed. That is a craven betrayal. In the military universe, there is no worse conduct.
His capture and mistreatment by the Taliban is irrelevant to his guilt or punishment. The crime would have been complete when he walked off the outpost. Moreover, he brought it on himself. Had he remained with his forty man platoon and either continued to do his duty or applied for conscientious objector status, he would not have been captured. No, if guilty, he deserves no sympathy. US or Afghan troops were killed or wounded in the efforts to recover him, that is an aggrivating factor justifying an increased sentence
His capture and mistreatment by the Taliban is irrelevant to his guilt or punishment. The crime would have been complete when he walked off the outpost. Moreover, he brought it on himself. Had he remained with his forty man platoon and either continued to do his duty or applied for conscientious objector status, he would not have been captured. No, if guilty, he deserves no sympathy. US or Afghan troops were killed or wounded in the efforts to recover him, that is an aggrivating factor justifying an increased sentence
2
Without discipline an army is nothing. Bergdahl has to be prosecuted. It looks to me as though the President tried to prevent that, but the Army dug in its heels and insisted on proper, if very belated, procedure.
3
My father was a POW. I fevently believe in our military's commitment to leave no one behind> Few countries so value the lives of their soldiers that bthey make such a commitment. And yes, that should extend even to those suspected of desertion. Let them face the consequences at home.
However, that policy must have sensible limits. I suspect my father would have agreed. For an example, we would never agree to trade an innocent civilian to terrorists. I know that is an extreme example, but I wanted to make the point. There comes some point where we, correctly would draw the line and not agree to a terrorists demand.
That, I think, is an honest question, and I can't understand why partisanship seems to determine whether the decision to trade 5 terrorists for Mr. Bergdahl was a good one. Yet, positions on the decision seem to be based on whether people support the President. As usual, many ignore the facts and the substance in favor of party allegiance.
However, that policy must have sensible limits. I suspect my father would have agreed. For an example, we would never agree to trade an innocent civilian to terrorists. I know that is an extreme example, but I wanted to make the point. There comes some point where we, correctly would draw the line and not agree to a terrorists demand.
That, I think, is an honest question, and I can't understand why partisanship seems to determine whether the decision to trade 5 terrorists for Mr. Bergdahl was a good one. Yet, positions on the decision seem to be based on whether people support the President. As usual, many ignore the facts and the substance in favor of party allegiance.
1
While we need to see what the outcome is (be patient?), it seems pretty obvious that Bergdahl deserted his post and put those soldiers in his unit in danger. That is the best scenario. The worst is that he was not really tortured and beaten, but sympathized with the Taliban. If that is true, he is not a deserter. He committed treason.
Tired of so many commenters crying out everyday for sympathy, peace, and how awful the US is. Seems too many here have no idea what war is like, what the military service is like, and what responsibility actually means. Where did you grow up? Who is manipulating your naive thinking?
As far as the decision to trade this man for radical extemists now free to terrorize, Obama made a grave mistake. But worse, he chose to ignore the advice of experts. Shame on him. Again.
Tired of so many commenters crying out everyday for sympathy, peace, and how awful the US is. Seems too many here have no idea what war is like, what the military service is like, and what responsibility actually means. Where did you grow up? Who is manipulating your naive thinking?
As far as the decision to trade this man for radical extemists now free to terrorize, Obama made a grave mistake. But worse, he chose to ignore the advice of experts. Shame on him. Again.
6
is there some kind of basic disconnect between the way some evangelical communities out west are raising their kids to be so righteous and idealistic as to just not get it? Time for a reality check.
1
The Bergdahl family is a bunch of hippies in Sun Valley, Idaho. Not an evangelical bone in their bodies.
4
p.s.: Before he enlisted, Bowe Bergdahl spent time in a Buddhist monastery. Just one more mixed-up kid who joined the army. Then he deserted and got six soldiers killed while they looked for him.
Bowe Bergdahl, "death before dishonor" doesn't mean getting other people killed for your dishonor.
Bowe Bergdahl, "death before dishonor" doesn't mean getting other people killed for your dishonor.
4
"got six soldiers killed while they looked for him."
It's interesting that you have come to that conclusion despite General Dahl's investigation reaching the conclusion that there is no evidence that any soldier was killed looking for him:
"Mr. Fidell also wrote that the Dahl report debunked several assertions about Sergeant Bergdahl’s disappearance, including the widely reported accusation that some American soldiers had died because of the search for him in the months after his capture."
What Bergdahl probably did is bad enough; there's really no good reason to make up stuff.
It's interesting that you have come to that conclusion despite General Dahl's investigation reaching the conclusion that there is no evidence that any soldier was killed looking for him:
"Mr. Fidell also wrote that the Dahl report debunked several assertions about Sergeant Bergdahl’s disappearance, including the widely reported accusation that some American soldiers had died because of the search for him in the months after his capture."
What Bergdahl probably did is bad enough; there's really no good reason to make up stuff.
2
The real story is not about desertion. Rather, the disastrous prisoner swap again is blinding evidence of a woefully inept incompetent obama administration. This administration has probably done more damage to America the past 6 years than can be imagined. Ignorance, incompetence equals disaster.
6
It is blinding...flies in the face of common sense. Apparently, he never bothered to get the full story before allowing his cabinet to spout off about how "honorable" the guy was. No one can blame politics on this. Unfortunately, partisan politics has so deluded our thinking that it will all be attributed to attacks on the president because of his skin color or party. Common sense and accountability have been buried with all the heads in the sand.
2
Bergdhal is a deserter. His capture and imprisonment were brought upon himself as he voluntarily abandoned his post. But what is truly at stake is the poor quality of recruits that are enrolling. Soldering, during war time, is difficult and its burdens must be shared equally. His desertion brought unnecessary burdens upon his platoon. The US military is advanced technologically but the manning of the technologies is sub-par. Constant warfare, high rate of US unemployment and the need for fresh personnel have created a constant need for manpower; resulting in the lowest common denominator, i.e. Bergdahl. Bergdhal is not a hero but a tragic figure similar to Don Quixote!
2
Ever since there were armies, those armies have been signing up aimless youngsters like Bergdahl. His desertion and cowardice were not the army's fault.
2
Hi CW: I think, at the same time that we have lost all sense of who is a hero, we have also lost all sense of who is a coward. One of the interesting things about Bergdahl's story, as I remember it, is that he had previously expressed frustration that his unit was just sitting around in their base doing nothing. In his crazy way, he probably wanted to get out and have an adventure.
What he did was the furthest thing from fleeing from danger - he was deliberately sneaking off into serious danger. You can call him crazy, call him a loose cannon - totally unfit for the discipline and boredom of military life - but not a coward. Except that in our culture nowadays, calling somebody a coward pretty much just means that you don't like them...
What he did was the furthest thing from fleeing from danger - he was deliberately sneaking off into serious danger. You can call him crazy, call him a loose cannon - totally unfit for the discipline and boredom of military life - but not a coward. Except that in our culture nowadays, calling somebody a coward pretty much just means that you don't like them...
As it should be: military court will judge Bergdahl's actions; public opinion will judge actions of Obama admin - principal vs politics. It will take some time, but in both cases, justice will be served. Okay... I'm an optimist by nature.
1
The US Military allows for due process. He will get his day at a fair trial....well...at a trial.
Unfortunately, I doubt the president will be able to keep his 2 cents out of that process, since he already cast his lot with this man.
Unfortunately, I doubt the president will be able to keep his 2 cents out of that process, since he already cast his lot with this man.
5
He never formed a real bond with the men of his unit.
2
So what is your point? He swore to do his duty to his country, he turned his back on his country and his fellow soldiers and consorted with the enemy, he deserves to be shot.
1
The American people are guilty of desertion. Deserting their common sense by allowing our young men and women who are charged with defending our country to become invaders in a foreign country. No wonder so many have become disillusioned by the hypocrisy of a nation that claims to stand for freedom but quickly tramples it for profit.
3
Bergdahl's "disappearance" had been previously investigated by the military and serious concerns were raised in a still-under-wraps report that he had deserted. Nevertheless, in ignorance of that report or despite it, the president decided to have a Rose Garden event with the parents and let loose Susan Rice to proclaim Bergdahl's "honor and distinction."
That event and Susan Rice's spirited endorsement of Bergdahl ignited opposition from fellow service members who, apparently, were found credible enough to have the Army bring charges.
To all those here who blame Obama's opponents or Republicans or little green men, how do you square that claim with the statements of apolitical members of the Army? You can't unless you believe all those others lied or misrepresented.
That event and Susan Rice's spirited endorsement of Bergdahl ignited opposition from fellow service members who, apparently, were found credible enough to have the Army bring charges.
To all those here who blame Obama's opponents or Republicans or little green men, how do you square that claim with the statements of apolitical members of the Army? You can't unless you believe all those others lied or misrepresented.
13
I think a lot of liberals are completely ignorant of the military, and quite happily so. Until they need protection.
2
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl should be promoted to Colonel, awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, and given an Honorable Discharge from the US Army. Then, he should be given a 100% Service Connected Disability rating from the Veterans Administration.
He is an American Hero. Clint Eastwood should make a movie of his life.
Those are my humble liberal opinions.
He is an American Hero. Clint Eastwood should make a movie of his life.
Those are my humble liberal opinions.
3
great---ISIS is obviously the place for you
4
I don't have the military experience to judge Bergdahl. However, as a citizen it is my right to judge my leaders. POTUS welcomed this young man with open arms before knowing the facts, a pattern with which he seems quite comfortable.
6
Bergdahl and his family are people of conscience who have all expressed disagreement with U.S. policy in Afghanistan. That's why he's being used as a scapegoat. If he and his family were right-wingers, there would be no issue at all in regard to his being away from his camp for awhile, and being captured by the designated enemy. It's all a matter of personal politics and the right to freedom of speech in contemporary America.
6
Yeah, let's have every PFC making his own foreign policy.
5
This man is a deserter, nothing more and nothing less. He walked out on his fellow soldiers and several of them were KILLED looking for him. If he had done this in WWII or Korea, etc., he would have been shot on the spot when re-captured.
He brought this on himself and deserves ABSOLUTELY no mercy of any sort. He should be judged GUILTY, sentenced to life without parole, and stripped of all his earthly possession including rank, salary, and any other ill-gotten gains from this fiasco.
He brought this on himself and deserves ABSOLUTELY no mercy of any sort. He should be judged GUILTY, sentenced to life without parole, and stripped of all his earthly possession including rank, salary, and any other ill-gotten gains from this fiasco.
7
It's funny how so many "Americans" here believe our soldiers don't deserve the same rights as civilians. Civilians are innocent until proven guilty, but our troops deserve years of torture at the hands of the enemy. Very Christian, too.
5
What are you talking about?!? Have you ever heard about military courts?
3
What's funny is how little you know about the military.
If soldiers could vote on military actions, there would be total chaos. They take a voluntary oath (we have no draft)
The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
If soldiers could vote on military actions, there would be total chaos. They take a voluntary oath (we have no draft)
The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
7
The Obama White House was so desperate to close Guantanamo Bay that they devised a scheme to release the worst of the worst (several of whom have gone back to their life of crime) by negotiating with terrorists to free a man who fled his post which directly led to the deaths of other soldiers. Susan Rice goes on TV and says that this man served with honor? Why is she still employed?
6
The administration released not just five prisoners from Gitmo, but five prisoners the Taliban specifically asked for in exchange for Bergdahl. Cynic that I am, it appears that the issue was not so much to get Bergdahl released, but rather to improve the dismal support Obama has in the military ranks. Bergdahl's accout of his time is not believable.
5
It is time that this misclassified hero was called to account. Back at his Idaho hometown, he was styled a hero for undergoing an ordeal that he walked into.
He is no more hero than someone who fell into a drain and stayed there an extensive time before he coudl be dug out.
Bergdahl didn't just get in trouble. He walked outside his company's defencive perimeter during combat. Later he claimed to have been captured on patrol. Then his unit spent time looking for him and got several men killed in the effort
A fitting punishment would be 30 years. At once time, deserters during combat conditions. were shot.
He is no more hero than someone who fell into a drain and stayed there an extensive time before he coudl be dug out.
Bergdahl didn't just get in trouble. He walked outside his company's defencive perimeter during combat. Later he claimed to have been captured on patrol. Then his unit spent time looking for him and got several men killed in the effort
A fitting punishment would be 30 years. At once time, deserters during combat conditions. were shot.
4
This man was extoled as a hero and in critical ill health when he was traded by the Obama administration. Now we know he was healthy and charged with desterting his platoon and aiding the Taliban. It is sad on here making excuses for him and the President, especially at the high price for giving the Taliban is top five choice of commanders they wanted in return for Bergdahl. This is yet another foreign policy mistake
6
When I was 18 years old I entered Annapolis Naval Academy and served in the military in various capacities from 1936-1945 I witnessed the horrors of the WWII while in Nazi Germany and then after four years in Europe I was stationed in the Far East including a year assigned as a military attaché in Tibet. While in Tibet I came across a group of Nazi thugs who were desecrating a Buddhist Temple and attempting to kidnap several Tibetan Monks to be brought back to Nazi Germany by Heinrich Himmler. Attempting to assist the monks I was captured by the Nazis and tortured for over a year. I was kept in a box underground sometimes for days at a time in the most horrendous conditions. I know what torture is like. Isolation. Depredation. Hunger. Thirst. No human contact. He has suffered enough ! Forrest Aldrich Mills
6
I wonder if a courts marshal would be an appropriate use of taxpayer money. I ask because Bergdahl appears to have been confused and naïve. Unfortunately, he quickly learned about our enemy in Afghanistan.
Was his mistreatment enough?
The administration rescued him, in turn, it allowed 5 former prisoners to go free, all the while publically announcing that it does not "negotiate" with the enemy.
Apparently, he may have realized that he was not military "material" in the first place. So instead of a trial (by the military), he should be given appropriate psychiatric help.
Was his mistreatment enough?
The administration rescued him, in turn, it allowed 5 former prisoners to go free, all the while publically announcing that it does not "negotiate" with the enemy.
Apparently, he may have realized that he was not military "material" in the first place. So instead of a trial (by the military), he should be given appropriate psychiatric help.
1
Are you serious??? The man is a traitor - a deserter. You obviously never served in the military if you came up with this pathetic reasoning to defend this scoundrel.
7
The White House made the exchange of PVT Bergdahl into a media event. A possible deserter's parents were on hand. Susan Rice said he served with "honor and distinction". Wrong again Susan. Stop embarrassing yourself. This is another example of A community organizer and freshman Senator who consistently has poor judgement in his decisions and the people who advise him. 2017 cannot come soon enough.
10
AMERICA HAS TRADED PRISONERS FOR POWS FOR TWO CENTURIES
Swapping five Guantanamo prisoners for Bergdahl is in accord with American military tradition.
There is a very long history of American military prisoner swaps in time of war. Contrary to Fox news, Obama did not invent this practice.
During the American Revolutionary War exchanges of prisoners were made in the field or at higher levels of organization - usually high-ranking officer exchanges were negotiated for specifically named people. There were also some exchanges based on numbers for random lower-ranking people, but these were on a more limited basis.
In the first year of the Civil War, prisoner exchanges were conducted primarily between field generals on an ad hoc basis after battles - the Union being reluctant to enter any formal agreements,fearing that it would legitimize the Confederate government.
On December 11, 1861, the US Congress passed a joint resolution calling on President Lincoln to "inaugurate systematic measures for the exchange of prisoners in the present rebellion."
In July 1862, Union General John Dix and Confederate General Daniel H. Hill reached an agreement in which each soldier was assigned a value according to rank. For example, one private was worth another private; corporals and sergeants were worth two privates; and lieutenants were worth three privates. During WWII Americans were swapped in the exchange of prisoners between Germany and the United States.
Swapping five Guantanamo prisoners for Bergdahl is in accord with American military tradition.
There is a very long history of American military prisoner swaps in time of war. Contrary to Fox news, Obama did not invent this practice.
During the American Revolutionary War exchanges of prisoners were made in the field or at higher levels of organization - usually high-ranking officer exchanges were negotiated for specifically named people. There were also some exchanges based on numbers for random lower-ranking people, but these were on a more limited basis.
In the first year of the Civil War, prisoner exchanges were conducted primarily between field generals on an ad hoc basis after battles - the Union being reluctant to enter any formal agreements,fearing that it would legitimize the Confederate government.
On December 11, 1861, the US Congress passed a joint resolution calling on President Lincoln to "inaugurate systematic measures for the exchange of prisoners in the present rebellion."
In July 1862, Union General John Dix and Confederate General Daniel H. Hill reached an agreement in which each soldier was assigned a value according to rank. For example, one private was worth another private; corporals and sergeants were worth two privates; and lieutenants were worth three privates. During WWII Americans were swapped in the exchange of prisoners between Germany and the United States.
7
Were they all deserters?
Did they voluntarily put their comrades in peril, knowing search parties would come after them?
Did they voluntarily put their comrades in peril, knowing search parties would come after them?
5
Yeah, how many weer deserters? You appear to know a lot about details, but miss the big picture. I very much doubt that the American military swapped any deserting noncoms for generals.
The Pentagon says the Taliban are very good at spreading rumors designed to weaken the moral of troops stationed in Afghanistan.
Many of the negative rumors being spread about Sgt. Bergdahl are the kind of things the Taliban's propaganda machine would say.
Unfortunately rumor control is like Whack-a-mole, as soon as you disprove one false story another one pops up.
Many of the negative rumors being spread about Sgt. Bergdahl are the kind of things the Taliban's propaganda machine would say.
Unfortunately rumor control is like Whack-a-mole, as soon as you disprove one false story another one pops up.
2
He's already been punished by Taliban incarceration if he did what is accused. I see no reason to waste the resources of the U.S. any further on this.
3
"Total forfeiture of all pay"?
Does that mean that the deserter Bergdahl will receive no back pay from the 5 years he spent as a P.O.W? I hope so.
I am curious because, during the Viet Nam war, Marine Corps private Bobby Garwood was captured by the Viet Cong in 1965 - 10 days before his tour of duty was up - and held in captivity for 14 (FOURTEEN) years before he was freed. He was returned to the United States, tried and convicted of Desertion. He received not a dime for the 14 years of his captivity and was given a dishonorable discharge. His life was ruined. The military acted so harshly due to government pressure and because they wanted to discourage any other servicemen from deserting. Ask any knowledgeable Viet Nam veteran about the Garwood court martial case and he will tell you Garwood was innocent.
An American Veteran.
Does that mean that the deserter Bergdahl will receive no back pay from the 5 years he spent as a P.O.W? I hope so.
I am curious because, during the Viet Nam war, Marine Corps private Bobby Garwood was captured by the Viet Cong in 1965 - 10 days before his tour of duty was up - and held in captivity for 14 (FOURTEEN) years before he was freed. He was returned to the United States, tried and convicted of Desertion. He received not a dime for the 14 years of his captivity and was given a dishonorable discharge. His life was ruined. The military acted so harshly due to government pressure and because they wanted to discourage any other servicemen from deserting. Ask any knowledgeable Viet Nam veteran about the Garwood court martial case and he will tell you Garwood was innocent.
An American Veteran.
8
May he rot in jail... For those to say, "...he was a POW in rough circumstances...", had he not "gone for a walk", i.e. deserted, he would've most likely never been captured...
7
Bergdahl was given the benefit of the doubt. Are we saying that because his platoon discredited him that we should have left him languishing. The administration's opponents would have been blasting it as a disrespect to our military! We sent him there and for that reason we are ultimately responsible for him no matter what he does. We had a contractual and moral obligation to get him back.
Which is totally different than all those civilians who without government consent put themselves in harm's way and kidnapping and then we are stuck with their families whining that we need to expend American resources for their release and return.
Which is totally different than all those civilians who without government consent put themselves in harm's way and kidnapping and then we are stuck with their families whining that we need to expend American resources for their release and return.
4
President Obama's National Security Adviser Susan Rice claimed a year ago that Bergdahl had been “captured on the battlefield” after serving “with honor and distinction.” This is the same Obama official who went on every Sunday News show a week after the Benghazi Terror attack and claimed it was just a protest about a video that turned violent. There was NEVER a protest in Benghazi at our consulate. How can the Administration be so wrong about such serious matters? The foreign policy incompetence and naivete of this administration is astonishing.
8
This is the same army that was embarrassed and lied to us about Pat Tillman's death, and forced Tillman's fellow soldiers to lie to us, too. Now they're embarrassed about Bergdahl and having forced his fellow soldiers to lie, not thinking Bergdahl would return. It's reported they're offering Bergdahl a quick deal to hush this up and get it out of the news. Give him an Honorable Discharge and Veterans' benefits. Then investigate the army.
2
Being held captive by the Taliban should be enough punishment. Give him a general discharge with the condition it is only for one year and then come honorable. I am a veteran and prefer we take the forgiveness route Nelson Mandela took in South Africa.
4
To finish, I wish that this young man, who has surely suffered more than enough, could be freed at last.
3
It's a shame the Army has decided on this course rather than letting Bergdahl go. -- Especially in this climate of lynch - mentality as the article cites and the comments here attest. Lynch mobs don't listen. Lynch mobs are loud, drowning out voices of good sense.
4
Bergdahl's lawyer is the one who played the "lynch mob card". The same lawyer whose job, which is paid for by the government, is to get his client acquitted of all charges. And, of course, lawyers never stretch the truth, do they?
5
What? Didn't our America Loving Prez tell us Bergdahl was a hero? That's why he swapped him for several high-ranking Taliban officers who will now go on to kill Americans.
6
Last May almost every liberal commenter on these boards swore up and down that this "hero" had a story to tell and if we would just wait until all the facts came in we would be surprised and ashamed that we had ever doubted Obama's wisdom, even though he broke federal law by not consulting congress before he made the trade and negotiated with terrorists which America does not do. If I had a nickle for every time I read the term "rush to judgment" back then I'd be rich. Now we get the liberal fallback position that he has suffered enough accompanied by that old stand by that Bush and Cheney are the ones who should be in prison. Well, at least we have some of the Taliban that got released going back to the battlefield to kill Americans, yes we can always keep that comforting thought in mind.
7
This is just another tragedy of war. There is very little to be served by prolonging it.
4
Disagree - you and your fellow Quakers are totally ignoring six dead soldiers and the millions of dollars spent trying to resuce this war criminal. He deserves NOTHING!!!
4
Just let him go.
2
None of his suffering would have happened If He Hadn't Deserted! As pitiful as his captivity may have been He Brought It On Himself! Actions have consequences. His desertion resulted in the deaths of those searching for him. Hang Him High is what I say.
5
American soldiers risked their lives searching for Bergdahl immediately following his desertion; and there is a lot of residual anger towards him within the military ranks. Based on previous stories of his service prior to the desertion he was not an appropriate fit as a soldier. This was known and he should have been discharged - so his officers, and the military system should bear some blame.
And that's the prime reason for bringing charges - so as to learn the failures inherent in the military to identify and deal with threats within its ranks. The worse case of head-in-the-sand avoidance of action occurred with Major (doctor) Hasan that resulted in 13 dead in the FT. Hood shooting. His abnormal behavior was well documented - yet, no decisive action was ever taken. This seems to be situation normal. One hopes that a trial would bring light and corrective to this fault of the military.
As for the insignificant Bergdahl - at this point a dishonorable discharge is sufficient punishment following the trial.
And that's the prime reason for bringing charges - so as to learn the failures inherent in the military to identify and deal with threats within its ranks. The worse case of head-in-the-sand avoidance of action occurred with Major (doctor) Hasan that resulted in 13 dead in the FT. Hood shooting. His abnormal behavior was well documented - yet, no decisive action was ever taken. This seems to be situation normal. One hopes that a trial would bring light and corrective to this fault of the military.
As for the insignificant Bergdahl - at this point a dishonorable discharge is sufficient punishment following the trial.
4
It's appalling to read the comments some of our countryman spew regarding this soldier. And they want their pound of blood. The real crime has become not that he walked off a base, but that he doesnt hold so-called conservative values. The guy was tortured day in, day out. Yet it isnt enough humiliation and degredation. It's scary how the war on terror has unleashed something so powerfully ugly within our society.
This guy has served enough time and we STILL havent heard his side of the matter. Dear Journalist, just what is this soldier's side of the story???
As for any American calling for this guy's head, how about you go and get yourself captured by the Taliban, then cry home to the rest of us? Should we turn our backs to you and keep up with our facebook accounts instead??
This guy has served enough time and we STILL havent heard his side of the matter. Dear Journalist, just what is this soldier's side of the story???
As for any American calling for this guy's head, how about you go and get yourself captured by the Taliban, then cry home to the rest of us? Should we turn our backs to you and keep up with our facebook accounts instead??
6
Seriously? His values, conservative or otherwise, plays no part in the matter. The underlying fact is this soldier deserted his post - he wasn't in the USA, he didn't go AWOL, he was in an area of combat and deserted. Whether or not the Taliban captured him or he went willingly, is also irrelevant to the underlying desertion charge. We have a UCMJ in place to handle these matters, a trial by his military peers. Unlike civilian criminal trials, a military trial has little tolerance for theatrics. They deal in facts and facts alone. Give him his day in court, before his peers and be done with it. The only reason his civilian counsel wants to make a deal for a discharge is that Begdahl is likely guilty.
8
Tell his side of the story? Did you bother to read the article?
1
President Obama wants to close Gitmo at any cost. He was willing to trade five deadly terrorists for one deserter, all the while refusing to negotiate any kind of deal for families with loved ones who are hostages. He even had the gall to parade the deserters parents in the Rose Garden with pomp and circumstance. This is a travesty in so many ways. Nothing our president does surprises me anymore. Just when you think things can't get any lower, he starts drilling.
4
The focus of interest in this story should not be on Bergdahl-- he is after all just an ordinary deserter but on why five terrorists were traded for him and on how he and his family were used by the White House for PR purposes by being put on display in an unseemly Rose Garden ceremony as if he was a returning hero. That Susan Rice should then brag about reuniting him with his family and attempt to portray him as having served with "honor and distinction" is an insult to the intelligence of the American people and a flagrant example of the lies coming out of the White House in this and other instances. To Bergdahl's credit he did not go along with this lie but by refusing even to meet with his family exposed the entire WH charade for what it was.
6
As a lot of us said when the exchange happened, he's a traitor and deserter. And the family who lost a son who was out on patrol looking for this traitor needs to have the final say as to what the sentence should be.
4
In May all of the "enemy" prisoners will be released. It will be interesting to see if they become our enemies again. It is obvious what will happen.
Your N.Y. Times article is so biased, but Obama made a bad mistake in the exchange to get Bergdahl. He isn't worth these five prisoners or the lives lost to attempt to save him.
Your N.Y. Times article is so biased, but Obama made a bad mistake in the exchange to get Bergdahl. He isn't worth these five prisoners or the lives lost to attempt to save him.
6
He may be disturbed. Maybe he's screwed up because of his whack job parents. He broke the rules and thankfully no one was hurt by his actions. I'm a disabled vet and I'm not ashamed of him. He did wrong and I'll let the Army deal with him as it sees fit but I won't condemn a man without having lived in his shoes. I only hope that he gets the mental health care he probably needs. I'd also like to see all those who hate him to start acting like the Christians most of them probably are and show some compasion.
7
What did General Petraeus get for his infraction? Rank has it's privileges.
5
PFC Bergdahl was not captured during combat, he intentionally left his Combat Outpost during a time of war and was captured as a result. If PFC Bergdahl had not intentionally left his Combat Outpost, he never would have been captured and thusly, he never would have spent five years in the hands of the Haqqani. It does not matter why he absented himself, only that he did; guilty of Article 85 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Period. Bergdahl was not a POW and his last honorable rank attained was PFC (E-3), he is not a Sergeant. Bergdahl did not serve with honor or distinction and deserves neither sympathy nor leniency; I hope they max him out with a DD and prison time at a General Court Martial.
3
WORST NY TIMES ARTICLE - EVER
I assume after reading first few paragraphs Bowe Bergdahl received The Distinguished Service Cross. Dam I went thru 2 hankies.
Six of our best soldiers were killed looking for the deserter. Try reading:
In Remembrance Of The Soldiers Who Died Searching For Traitorous ‘Deserter’ Bowe Bergdahl -
http://www.libertynews.com/2015/03/in-remembrance-of-the-soldiers-who-di...
Mental illness? I am compassionate. While he is serving life imprisonment he
will be allowed to see a physiologist as often as needed.
Oh and those were not any five Taliban detainees that Obama exchanged as the article indicated. “They are undoubtedly among the most dangerous Taliban commanders held at Guantanamo,” said Thomas Joscelyn, a senior editor at the Long War Journal who keeps a close watch on developments concerning the detainees left at the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Here is one of the five: Fazl, for example, was the Taliban’s former deputy defense minister and is wanted by the United Nations for his role in massacres targeting Afghan’s Shi’ite Muslim population.
Obama did such a good job in this prisoner swap maybe we should have him negotiate a nuclear arms agreement with Iran -- oh wait!
I assume after reading first few paragraphs Bowe Bergdahl received The Distinguished Service Cross. Dam I went thru 2 hankies.
Six of our best soldiers were killed looking for the deserter. Try reading:
In Remembrance Of The Soldiers Who Died Searching For Traitorous ‘Deserter’ Bowe Bergdahl -
http://www.libertynews.com/2015/03/in-remembrance-of-the-soldiers-who-di...
Mental illness? I am compassionate. While he is serving life imprisonment he
will be allowed to see a physiologist as often as needed.
Oh and those were not any five Taliban detainees that Obama exchanged as the article indicated. “They are undoubtedly among the most dangerous Taliban commanders held at Guantanamo,” said Thomas Joscelyn, a senior editor at the Long War Journal who keeps a close watch on developments concerning the detainees left at the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Here is one of the five: Fazl, for example, was the Taliban’s former deputy defense minister and is wanted by the United Nations for his role in massacres targeting Afghan’s Shi’ite Muslim population.
Obama did such a good job in this prisoner swap maybe we should have him negotiate a nuclear arms agreement with Iran -- oh wait!
7
Eugene R. Fidell , the attorney for Bergdah,l is an expert in military law, and
teaches at Yale. He has an outstanding C.V. Without a doubt, Bergdahl will
have the best legal defense possible. I wonder how Bergdahl and his family
found Fidell, and what the legal defense will cost.
teaches at Yale. He has an outstanding C.V. Without a doubt, Bergdahl will
have the best legal defense possible. I wonder how Bergdahl and his family
found Fidell, and what the legal defense will cost.
1
The Army's decision to charge Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl saddens me. Where was Army Command when Sgt Bergdahl apparently advised a platoon leader that he may 'walk off into the forest?" Didn't his superior see this statement as a cry for help? Apparently not as he did not stage an intervention. Perhaps the Army's Command should read Christ's parable of the prodigal son and note that Sgt, Bergdahl has suffered enough. Their decision will make all the folks at Fox News very happy.....all those chickenhawk types who are too good to serve in a combat zone but feel mighty patriotic about tearing down our President's noble decision to rescue our POW.
8
Bowe Bergdahl is a disgrace to himself, his country and the uniform he wears. If he felt as strongly as he claimed to feel about not serving in Afghanistan, he could have asked to be relieved of duty and sent home. He surely could have requested a medical discharge and no doubt would have received it. Instead he chose to desert and apparent consort with the enemy, to the detriment of his unit and his fellow soldiers. I'm glad that the Army has chosen to withstand the unrelenting political pressure of the WH and do the right thing by charging him with the severe crimes that he apparently committed. This should help lift the sagging morale of a military that has felt all but abandoned by an AWOL CIC.
24
Bergdahl was kept in a cage, threatened with decapitation, and endured other conditions - for five years. Consorting with the enemy?
He took no weapons and wandered away, in the middle of enemy territory and was captured almost immediately. That sounds much more like PTSD or bad luck when he was AWOL.
He committed no severe crimes.
Abandoning enemy soldiers in the hands of their captors to be beheaded publicly by ISIS would really send a message. If my brother in Afghanistan had been captured and abandoned the way you advocate, I wonder how many in the military would think that was appropriate.
He took no weapons and wandered away, in the middle of enemy territory and was captured almost immediately. That sounds much more like PTSD or bad luck when he was AWOL.
He committed no severe crimes.
Abandoning enemy soldiers in the hands of their captors to be beheaded publicly by ISIS would really send a message. If my brother in Afghanistan had been captured and abandoned the way you advocate, I wonder how many in the military would think that was appropriate.
3
Based on the comments of his fellow soldiers, they had no clue at first someone walked off a base.
Doesnt seem to be the first time that has occurred either -- didnt the guy who killed all those villagers in Afghanistan -- also walk off his base and did so a couple of times?? FOB security isnt always stringent. It's really hard to believe no one saw Bergdahl -- or that killer -- walk off the base. Like there are no guards posted. In fact, in the case of the killer, an Afghan guard had seen him go out the door and warned an American and was ignored. Perhaps people are so angry at Bergdahl because they've been caught sleeping at a wheel
Doesnt seem to be the first time that has occurred either -- didnt the guy who killed all those villagers in Afghanistan -- also walk off his base and did so a couple of times?? FOB security isnt always stringent. It's really hard to believe no one saw Bergdahl -- or that killer -- walk off the base. Like there are no guards posted. In fact, in the case of the killer, an Afghan guard had seen him go out the door and warned an American and was ignored. Perhaps people are so angry at Bergdahl because they've been caught sleeping at a wheel
2
"he could have asked to be relieved of duty and sent home."
Scott, clearly you have not served. One cannot simply say "Captain, I'm not happy here in Paktika. Can you send me home?"
This does not excuse his abandoning his post.
But life in the army ain't as simple as you imagine, Scott.
Scott, clearly you have not served. One cannot simply say "Captain, I'm not happy here in Paktika. Can you send me home?"
This does not excuse his abandoning his post.
But life in the army ain't as simple as you imagine, Scott.
4
1. We violated our long-standing policy against negotiating with terrorists for the return of hostages, which will result in more Americans being taken hostage. Terrorists do more of what works. It is clear now that taking American hostages works.
2. We freed five high-level terrorist leaders, at least three of which have returned to terrorism, which result in more Americans being killed and wounded.
3. We did it all for a soldier who willfully deserted to the enemy.
This deal seemed like a fool's bargain when it occurred. It seems even more so now.
2. We freed five high-level terrorist leaders, at least three of which have returned to terrorism, which result in more Americans being killed and wounded.
3. We did it all for a soldier who willfully deserted to the enemy.
This deal seemed like a fool's bargain when it occurred. It seems even more so now.
30
The. U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the prisoners in Guantanamo were covered by Geneva Conventions as prisoners of war. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban who then ruled Afghanistan. This was an exchange of prisoners of war.
Interesting that no right winger seems to think it was a terrible crime for Bush to release or transfer more than 500 Guantanamo prisoners.
Interesting that no right winger seems to think it was a terrible crime for Bush to release or transfer more than 500 Guantanamo prisoners.
4
Being the widow of an Army helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, I'm not going to give any credence to the remarks made about that period of time. The US Army has always been my family. My Dad served in WWII, my brother was a Master Chief in the Navy. My son served with distinction during Gulf2, flying for the Navy. My 2 oldest grandchildren, man and woman, served in the Marine Corp and Army - Afghanistan & Iraq. We are military people. We don't go to war to kill, but to fight for others to have the same freedoms we have in this magnificent country. Mr. Bergdahl enlisted in the Army. He had been in the Coast Guard, but was booted on psych. Maybe he couldn't swim, was afraid of the water. His own defense council admits he doesn't know, and Bergdahl hasn't told him, why he committed one of the worst offenses you can commit in a war zone; abandoning your post. Not only that, but he said it was because he wanted to report injustices to a high ranking officer. He got lost trying to find that man too, has never divulged, not even to his defense council, what those injustices were. Surely, in our see all, tell all society this would go a long way to prove his innocence. And why has he had no contact with his family? My last point is the videos of him, chowing down with the enemy. Okay, he may have been knocked around, but I think he made peace with the butchers pretty fast. Now he has to pay. Strip him of everything military. He gets zip $ and 5 yrs solitary. Time to reflect.
13
Thank you from the bottom of my soul for your comment. Words fail me. Thank you.
4
I'm also from a services background down through many generations, primarily the RN but also the sappers.
First, it's a job. Second, it's a calling that may turn into a career but often a pretty darned unsatisfactory one, no matter how talented you are, how brave you are or how hard your work - unless you're very fortunate and get on well with the right higher-ups at the right time. Third, you do it to be with like-minded folks with whom you form a close family. Fourth, if you are a success and you do succeed in retiring as high-ranking officer, as some of my family and extended family succeeded in doing, it's a wonderful job, or used to be, full of perks that many civvies could only dream about, and which still confers high status. The RN officers' wives, especially, used to have a marvellous life back in the day when the UK still had a proper navy.
What a career in the services is not primarily about, except in times of genuine war such as WW1 and WW2, is serving your country so that others can be free, blah blah blah. Nobody in the services in the UK subscribes to that chauvinistic nonsense. But perhaps it's different in the US where flag waving is still a national sport.
First, it's a job. Second, it's a calling that may turn into a career but often a pretty darned unsatisfactory one, no matter how talented you are, how brave you are or how hard your work - unless you're very fortunate and get on well with the right higher-ups at the right time. Third, you do it to be with like-minded folks with whom you form a close family. Fourth, if you are a success and you do succeed in retiring as high-ranking officer, as some of my family and extended family succeeded in doing, it's a wonderful job, or used to be, full of perks that many civvies could only dream about, and which still confers high status. The RN officers' wives, especially, used to have a marvellous life back in the day when the UK still had a proper navy.
What a career in the services is not primarily about, except in times of genuine war such as WW1 and WW2, is serving your country so that others can be free, blah blah blah. Nobody in the services in the UK subscribes to that chauvinistic nonsense. But perhaps it's different in the US where flag waving is still a national sport.
3
This man could have actually been captured by the Taliban, although it seems like he would not just show up randomly if he actually did. Does not seem like they are going to find the truth no matter what they do.
2
There was no indication of what appalled Bergdahl so much that he left? Did his group commit atrocities that led him to declare he was not proud to be an American? There is still more to the story. Men don't just leave the safety of their group in hostile territory. What disturbed him?
6
Men don't. Weaklings with dreams of glory and fame often do because the reality is not that movie they have been playing in their head. Reality means danger, harsh conditions, isolation and following orders without talking back.
11
Bergdahl is a weak link that should have never been allowed to enter the military, but the military was not very selective after 9/11. He is a traitor, an idiot, and an embarrassment to our country. He got what he deserved. Soldiers died because of him. He should pay for their lives and the suffering of their families.
14
Yes, "social media" says that people died "because of him" but the Pentagon hasn't stated that to be the case. I believe the Pentagon.
John Wayne is long dead. The Iraq war was a bungled, unnecessary waste of life. And it is easy to be a chickenhawk on the internet (and in Congress)
John Wayne is long dead. The Iraq war was a bungled, unnecessary waste of life. And it is easy to be a chickenhawk on the internet (and in Congress)
10
No one died because of him.
4
Yeah getting tortured by the Taliban constitutes 'deserving' treatment. Right. Choose your poison - rape by the Taliban or death penalty by conservatives in the US
2
How many soldiers have committed suicide since coming back? So this guy is having a bad day and wanders off, for this he is chained to a bed for five years. Punishment enough I'd say, especially since most of the cowards who sent him to war managed to desert before they even got there.
15
Those astounded at the backlash toward Bergdalh are expecting too much.
Remember, Bergdahl's objectors are of the same crowd that booed a gay soldier, sneered the half-armed and no-legged Max Cleland, accused the two-time purple hearted Chuck Hagel of accepting money from the North Koreans, blindly sent the US military into Iraq without demanding evidence for doing so, and allowed itself to believe lies about John Kerry's service - all without having the courage to enlist and serve themselves. So typical it's become comical.
As such, ignore them, and focus your energy on helping veterans, including Bergdahl, re-adjust to civilian life. That's showing real support for the troops.
Remember, Bergdahl's objectors are of the same crowd that booed a gay soldier, sneered the half-armed and no-legged Max Cleland, accused the two-time purple hearted Chuck Hagel of accepting money from the North Koreans, blindly sent the US military into Iraq without demanding evidence for doing so, and allowed itself to believe lies about John Kerry's service - all without having the courage to enlist and serve themselves. So typical it's become comical.
As such, ignore them, and focus your energy on helping veterans, including Bergdahl, re-adjust to civilian life. That's showing real support for the troops.
67
And there are many "objectors" who do not fall into any of your selected categories but do so out of sincere belief and patriotism.
5
This "Bergdahl objector" knows and celebrates a gay military hero; was appalled at what was done to Cleland; liked Hagel; first supported the Iraq war but turned against it after the torture revelations; and didn't believe the so-called swift boat veterans for truth.
My point is this: Stop the damned tribalism, and have a single standard for everyone. Bergdahl is a deserter. Don't care if he's a Democrat or a Republican. He's deserter.
My point is this: Stop the damned tribalism, and have a single standard for everyone. Bergdahl is a deserter. Don't care if he's a Democrat or a Republican. He's deserter.
2
I retired as a colonel in 1980. Then, at least, desertion required proof that the defendant never intended to return. This is difficult to prove.
My personal choice would be to let him go, and instead bring charges against those who put our troops in such quagmires.
My personal choice would be to let him go, and instead bring charges against those who put our troops in such quagmires.
29
Tell me colonel? How do you expect to complete a mission when your personnel can just walk off because they aren't happy? How do you enforce the military bearing and discipline required to maintain unit readiness without the assurance of punishment for refusing to obey orders? Your reasoning leads me to believe that you were not in a combat ready part of the military. You certainly weren't a Marine.
4
Desertion is difficult to prove, but the soldiers in Bergdahl's platoon say he left behind a note saying he had become disillusioned with the Army, did not support the American mission in Afghanistan, intended to renounce his U.S. citizenship and was leaving to start a new life.
2
It was never a question of "leaving a soldier behind."
Bergdahl left his fellow unit members, the Army and his country behind when he went over the hill.
Was he a deserter? It appears clear he did not intend to return (until after he was captured -- I'm not sure what all that escape nonsense is about at the top of the story -- the lede is buried) and not intending to return is the test for desertion.
Misbehavior before the enemy? Dig out your Uniform Code of Military Justice (or look it up on line) and you'll see that's exactly what he did. It's a very, very serious offense.
The Army is charging him with exactly the right offenses. If they didn't, what do you say to the thousands (millions) who did not run away in the face of the enemy.
This is the opinion of at least one retired Military Police senior officer who has been a longtime Obama supporter but who believes Bergdahl did the crime and should do the time. Now that he's back, let's not insult those who did their duty.
Bergdahl left his fellow unit members, the Army and his country behind when he went over the hill.
Was he a deserter? It appears clear he did not intend to return (until after he was captured -- I'm not sure what all that escape nonsense is about at the top of the story -- the lede is buried) and not intending to return is the test for desertion.
Misbehavior before the enemy? Dig out your Uniform Code of Military Justice (or look it up on line) and you'll see that's exactly what he did. It's a very, very serious offense.
The Army is charging him with exactly the right offenses. If they didn't, what do you say to the thousands (millions) who did not run away in the face of the enemy.
This is the opinion of at least one retired Military Police senior officer who has been a longtime Obama supporter but who believes Bergdahl did the crime and should do the time. Now that he's back, let's not insult those who did their duty.
14
AJ is a former policeman, and like many policeman he is sufficiently convinced of the perp's guilt at the time of charging that he is prepared to skip the judicial process and go straight to a GUILTY verdict.
Let's let the article 32 process and possible subsequent court martial play out before deciding guilt.
If the 32 sends him to court and the court finds him guilty, then, yes, he should do the time.
From arrest to prison is the policeman's way. Happily it is not the UCMJ way.
Let's let the article 32 process and possible subsequent court martial play out before deciding guilt.
If the 32 sends him to court and the court finds him guilty, then, yes, he should do the time.
From arrest to prison is the policeman's way. Happily it is not the UCMJ way.
1
As an ex combat military officer let me try and clear up the misinformation surrounding the proud military tradition of not leaving anyone behind. It is true the military will do whatever is possible on the battlefield to get everyone out. This includes prisoners of war. In fact, in spite of what Bergdale's attorney stated six soldiers lost their lived searching for Bergdale. This was done even though it was well known Bergdale deserted his post.
However, the military tradition does NOT include trading with terrorist. All combat soldiers are told this and none have expectations of a trade if captured. Furthermore, what would it mean to trade within the scope of never leaving a soldier behind? If the Taliban told us the only way they would release Bergdale was if fifty prisoners were released would we do so? If not, we are breaking our code of never leaving a soldier behind. This is not what the code is and combat soldiers know this. The code is doing all practical and possible on the battlefield to get all our men out. This includes risking our lives, yes even for deserters.
However, the military tradition does NOT include trading with terrorist. All combat soldiers are told this and none have expectations of a trade if captured. Furthermore, what would it mean to trade within the scope of never leaving a soldier behind? If the Taliban told us the only way they would release Bergdale was if fifty prisoners were released would we do so? If not, we are breaking our code of never leaving a soldier behind. This is not what the code is and combat soldiers know this. The code is doing all practical and possible on the battlefield to get all our men out. This includes risking our lives, yes even for deserters.
7
"However, the military tradition does NOT include trading with terrorist. All combat soldiers are told this and none have expectations of a trade if captured."
Could you cite a DoD document for this?
Could you cite a DoD document for this?
3
"Tradition" seldom involves documents.
1
Whatever his original intentions, he does not deserve such extreme punishment.
American policies in the Middle East through Afghanistan have been failures. Many lives have been needlessly lost. If you want to punish someone, throw Bush and associates into prison.
American policies in the Middle East through Afghanistan have been failures. Many lives have been needlessly lost. If you want to punish someone, throw Bush and associates into prison.
10
As a former MP I'd go as far to say that there is no way that SGT Berghdal's trial will ever placate everyone. Too many people with zero experience in the military have already made their minds up about him. The key is that the Army Has to prove a soldier had no intention of returning to the Army to convict him or her of desertion. As long as there is any doubt in that a tribunal will not find guilt. I'm sure the medical examiners report will be introduced as evidence to support the claim that he was kept as a prisoner. The other charges are pretty much a slam dunk case.
What I detest is the many people with no experience in combat, or being at an isolated forward operating base who are chiming in.
Soldiers must know that the United States will not abandon them, you see all of these MIA flags. Whom do you think they represent? Soldiers can be captured in seconds time.
I've got to hand it to the right wingers, this was a gift to them, either we did nothing and he dies in captivity, or we get him back. Either way they have an opportunity to use this against the President.
What I detest is the many people with no experience in combat, or being at an isolated forward operating base who are chiming in.
Soldiers must know that the United States will not abandon them, you see all of these MIA flags. Whom do you think they represent? Soldiers can be captured in seconds time.
I've got to hand it to the right wingers, this was a gift to them, either we did nothing and he dies in captivity, or we get him back. Either way they have an opportunity to use this against the President.
48
The president is a bad trader and negotiator. Can you trust his judgement? Five Taliban generals for one soldier? They can kill a lot more people...hope he is not a defector...
2
The president and Susan Rice deserve the attention. They made a big deal about this guy with the Rose Garden show and claims that he was a hero. Had they brought him back quietly and investigated the circumstances behind his capture no one would have anything on them.
3
No, what we dont do is give up five top Al Qaida terrorists for him.
3
Many people make poor choices in the military. As a nation we reclaim our own and try them in American courts. He was found, brought back, and he will be tried. Let the courts decide his fate. To not retrieve him, to find him guilty outside a court of law, to not allow due process is unAmerican. Let the Taliban commit those atrocities, not us.
8
It seems the issue of this man's fate is political, which may, in this case, help deliver are more sane and wise resolution, since most people I have spoken too tend to feel he's been through enough and deserves at most, a dishonorable discharge. The soldiers in his unit probably lied about people dying in the search out of anger. But in the business those spreading the stories are probably motivated by politics.
6
So 911 was NOT caused by Iraq nor Afghanistan. We kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people in these countries under false pretense of war and national interest. This immature confused young man decides to desert. He is horridly imprisoned and tortured. Now we want to crucify him. Wow am I less than proud of our countries response to what has happened.
9
Whatever happened to the military's version of prosecutorial discretion? It does not seem disputed that SGT Bergdahl tried to escape from captivity more than once. To what end? To be tried for desertion and "misbehavior before the enemy" (whatever that is)? The military seems much more eager to try ordinary combat soldiers than their superiors when THEY engage in serious misconduct. I missed the court-martial of 4-star general David Petraeus. So what does that tell you about the quality "military justice," other than the term may be an oxymoron?
6
Like Bowe Bergdahl, and many young men and women, I enlisted in the armed services (US Air Force) when I was young (18 years old), patriotic and impressionable, during the Vietnam war. After 4 weeks of "hung ho" basic training in Texas, and 8 weeks of Medical Corps training, I was fortunate to be stationed at a USAF hospital in London, England. However, during this 4-year period, I learned about the realities of war from injured soldiers returning from the front lines, who passed through our hospital. I felt growing confusion and doubt about the necessity of the war and the large number of young lives lost on both sides. I distinctly remember that many USAF personnel at our base expressed similar feelings. I also recall several young soldiers at our base who could not cope with being in a foreign country away from the support of family and friends. I accept the feeling of veterans on both sides of the Bergdahl issue, but looking back to my own experience as a young person in the military and just starting out in "life", I think of the extreme physical and mental stress of young soldiers, like Bowe Bergdahl, in Erich Maria Remarque's book, "All Quiet On The Western Front", as expressed by one soldier: "I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow. I see how peoples are set against one another, and in silence, unknowingly, foolishly, obediently, innocently slay one another."
59
Well said.
2
That's all fine and good, but he's still a deserter and belongs in a military prison.
25-to-life!
4
He should be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
5
Sargent Bergdahl spent “3 months chained spread eagled to a bed.,blindfolded". “ He spent 5 years in complete isolation.He spent 4 years in a cage.He was starved and beaten.His chains cut so deeply into his ankles that he had open wounds. He lived in fear for his life .While confined to a cage for four years,emaciated, in fear for his life,and in complete isolation,he was subjected to extended periods of complete darkness
I would urge that the government show Sargent Bergdahl compassion.
There are those who have heinous crimes who have been released
on “compassionate grounds “ for various reasons.Can this country not show the same mercy for a young man who has served our country,regardless of mistakes he has made,for which he has paid dearly,that it does for murderers who are elderly and infirm?
I would urge that the government show Sargent Bergdahl compassion.
There are those who have heinous crimes who have been released
on “compassionate grounds “ for various reasons.Can this country not show the same mercy for a young man who has served our country,regardless of mistakes he has made,for which he has paid dearly,that it does for murderers who are elderly and infirm?
12
No, DJS, not when hatred for the president who rescued this soldier is so palpable that it clouds any sense of compassion or mercy.
Armchair warriors are just that simple.
Armchair warriors are just that simple.
5
If Bowe Bergdahl had stayed put in his barracks where he belonged, he wouldn't have enjoyed the Taliban's version of hospitality and the six soldiers who died looking for him would still be alive. Where is the compassion for them?
9
You need to remember these are his words and his version of what happened. You repeat them as if they were facts. He knew he was facing a possible life sentence which might have possibly affected his version of what happened.
5
It is time for a fresh assessment (reset) of the global US foreign policy and overseas deployment of the defense forces. The middle east is in shambles. The Arab spring has become an Arabian nightmare. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians and a 2 state solution has become a mirage. Russia has become renegade. Quick fixes and knee jerk reactions do not provide sustained solutions. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl went through hell in Afghanistan and is now being charged with desertion when the right action should have been discharge following his alleged behavior by his colleagues before his capture. This and the number of army personnel with PTSD should be investigated and the army needs reconfiguration of what is best for future wars. It is too much for the current administration closer to its sunset to come up with a comprehensive and sensible future plan knowing what we know now. I see Bergdahl's charges as the tip of the iceberg of confusion and disorder with mixed results.
2
The "system"worked? Could only be spoken by someone who was never in the service. This is a disaster; guys died trying to get this loser back. We let high profile terrorists go free, to get this clown back .....
While I don't blame the administration, I do blame the Army brass.
While I don't blame the administration, I do blame the Army brass.
7
Call me a crazy liberal but five years in the hands of the Taliban is enough of a punishment.
11
We cannot justify deserting our soldiers no matter what.
9
He deserted us. We have never traded for or made such extraordinary efforts to get back deserters.
7
Even harder for a soldier to justify deserting us. Especially when six other soldiers sacrificed their lives looking for this deadbeat.
9
Nor can we justify deserting soldiers.
Good work President Obama. You could have brought this guy home quietly but instead you made a big deal of it to show how great you are to the American Public. Kindly address the American public and explain why you made a big deal of his release. He's a deserter. Fine you brought him home but the big welcome???
23
So what about Bowe Bergdahl:
What about the kids who have to grow up fatherless cause their daddies died looking for this punk.” But those irate over Bergdahl fear that the nation has forgotten the men they say were lost in the hunt for him:Staff Sergeant Clayton Bowen, 29, and Private 1st Class Morris Walker, 23 were killed by a roadside bomb in Paktika province while trying to find Bergdahl. Staff Sergeant Kurt Curtiss, 27, died in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack. 2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, 34, died in Paktika Province when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade.Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey, 25, in Paktika province. Private 1st Class Matthew Martinek, 20, was seriously wounded in Paktika province He died a week after the attack.The past cannot be erased, and it’s that legacy that gives the troops involved a markedly different view of Bergdahl and his rescue than that of most Americans sitting at home, paying scant attention to the nation’s only soldier missing in action in Afghanistan until he was traded for 5 terrorists.The reason, for anyone who has been in combat, is pretty simple. Soldiers never forget. Civilians rarely remember
What about the kids who have to grow up fatherless cause their daddies died looking for this punk.” But those irate over Bergdahl fear that the nation has forgotten the men they say were lost in the hunt for him:Staff Sergeant Clayton Bowen, 29, and Private 1st Class Morris Walker, 23 were killed by a roadside bomb in Paktika province while trying to find Bergdahl. Staff Sergeant Kurt Curtiss, 27, died in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack. 2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, 34, died in Paktika Province when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade.Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey, 25, in Paktika province. Private 1st Class Matthew Martinek, 20, was seriously wounded in Paktika province He died a week after the attack.The past cannot be erased, and it’s that legacy that gives the troops involved a markedly different view of Bergdahl and his rescue than that of most Americans sitting at home, paying scant attention to the nation’s only soldier missing in action in Afghanistan until he was traded for 5 terrorists.The reason, for anyone who has been in combat, is pretty simple. Soldiers never forget. Civilians rarely remember
15
As he should be. Think if everyone could do what they want. Was he forced to join the Army ?
14
a god-forsaken adventure (I can't call this a WAR --- it has nothing to do with defending the USA or even its politcal allies.)-- I wish GW Bush had never begun....
Time for compassion....
Time for compassion....
8
The war in Afghanistan is far from a pointless war, the Taliban gave safe haven to Al qaeda and they attacked Americans. Mr. Bergdahl was not drafted, he volunteered like many other brave men and women who sacrificed much for our way of life.
The major difference is that Mr. Bergdahl chose to desert his post and for that he suffered at the hands of the Taliban we were fighting. His desertion cost his comrades dearly in their efforts to rescue him and this administration released 5 high ranking Taliban to gain his freedom; they, no doubt, will join again in the battle against our freedoms and way of life. While they continue to brutalize women,children and families who dare to disagree with their 7th century world view.
Mr. Bergdahl deserves to be shamed for his actions and he doesn't deserve to wear the same uniform of so many of our nations heroe's, past, present and future.
I'll let the UCMJ mete out his punishment. He's earned his dishonor!
The major difference is that Mr. Bergdahl chose to desert his post and for that he suffered at the hands of the Taliban we were fighting. His desertion cost his comrades dearly in their efforts to rescue him and this administration released 5 high ranking Taliban to gain his freedom; they, no doubt, will join again in the battle against our freedoms and way of life. While they continue to brutalize women,children and families who dare to disagree with their 7th century world view.
Mr. Bergdahl deserves to be shamed for his actions and he doesn't deserve to wear the same uniform of so many of our nations heroe's, past, present and future.
I'll let the UCMJ mete out his punishment. He's earned his dishonor!
22
To the Obama critics: If you believe Bowe's a deserter, how can you criticize Obama for bringing him back to face justice? Sure, Obama may not have known all the facts, but what's the difference if he's charged anyway? Wouldn't the worst incentive for desertion be to allow Bowe to escape responsibility altogether? Don't you think it sends a stark message to soldiers contemplating desertion that the U.S. will do what it can to bring you back.
Isn't that the greatest disincentive.
Isn't that the greatest disincentive.
6
I remember you specifically being one of the ones last spring urging us to "wait until all the facts were in" on this hero-- I guess this is your fallback position?
2
Obama made criticism easy with the White House hero's welcome show that he put on. Oh, and also the 5 terrorists he traded for this coward. Flippant dismissing of not knowing the facts by Obama doesn't quite forgive his bad decision in this case.
2
Wonder what sort of punishment will be meted out to the soldiers who recruited him, trained him, observed his erratic behavior while in the military, and decided that he had the mindset and fitness to fight in Afghanistan? Don't they bear some sort of responsibility, too, for lowering their standards so much that they send unfit people to fight our wars?
12
Pres. Bush released or transferred more than 500 prisoners from Guantanamo. There was a resounding silence from the same right wing people who are objecting to a prisoner of war exchange. The Supreme Court ruled that the Guantanamo prisoners have the protection of the Geneva Conventions as prisoners of war. I'm not sure what universe the right wing people occupy, but this was an exchange of prisoners of war according to international law.
It would have been disgraceful to leave an American soldier in enemy hands when the war is winding up. The fact that he was held in a cage for years and threatened with beheading is horrific. His murder would have been a huge propaganda event, the same way ISIS's murders have been.
He wandered away from his post, probably due to PTSD. He was without a weapon in the middle of enemy territory: this was not a rational action.
But reason doesn't prevail on the right anymore: it seems like mob rule, complete with pitchforks and torches.
It would have been disgraceful to leave an American soldier in enemy hands when the war is winding up. The fact that he was held in a cage for years and threatened with beheading is horrific. His murder would have been a huge propaganda event, the same way ISIS's murders have been.
He wandered away from his post, probably due to PTSD. He was without a weapon in the middle of enemy territory: this was not a rational action.
But reason doesn't prevail on the right anymore: it seems like mob rule, complete with pitchforks and torches.
9
With the actual circumstances unknown to many even shortly after his disappearance, it is difficult now to make a decision on Sgt. Bergdahl's fate. After "deserting" his post there's no telling what happened. Perhaps Bergdahl felt abandoned by the institution he once held in such high regard. After 5 years in the hands of the enemies however, it cannot be easy coming home to these accusations.
Bergdahl and America will find it hard to reconcile with each other over these charges.
Bergdahl and America will find it hard to reconcile with each other over these charges.
3
Except for finding him guilty and handing down a stiff sentence, America needs not reconcile anything with Bergdahl.
8
Hey, had he not been charged with anything would have been hell for the Army. So, to avoid this they charge him with desertion. Nice way to avoid the responsability of having accepted him in the first place. Cheney and his friends should have been the ones charged with failing to serve and for their crimes in the Middle East. I hope M. Bergdahl is set free real soon.
13
The apparent mixed message of charging Bergdahl with desertion while expressing "little desire" for his incarceration suggests that the decision was, at least in part, politically motivated. Conservatives have been clamoring for blood and vengeance, largely motivated by Obama's exchange of Guantanamo "terrorists" for "deserter" Bergdahl. And the incident leading to Bergdahl's capture raised questions about the leadership of his platoon in Afghanistan. The political consequences of not charging him would probably have made Pentagon officials too uncomfortable.
The game will likely play out with a compromise that feeds the Obama-haters just enough of Bergdahl's blood to make the Pentagon officials feel secure, and also to deflect any embarrassing questions about what actually went on in Afghanistan. Some punishment is obligatory, which means Bergdahl will at least be demoted back down to Private First Class and possibly dishonorably discharged. But he'll be spared any further incarceration, mainly out of the desire to avoid bringing up issues about Afghanistan that the Pentagon would prefer to keep buried.
The game will likely play out with a compromise that feeds the Obama-haters just enough of Bergdahl's blood to make the Pentagon officials feel secure, and also to deflect any embarrassing questions about what actually went on in Afghanistan. Some punishment is obligatory, which means Bergdahl will at least be demoted back down to Private First Class and possibly dishonorably discharged. But he'll be spared any further incarceration, mainly out of the desire to avoid bringing up issues about Afghanistan that the Pentagon would prefer to keep buried.
6
Based on the evidence I've read, he clearly deserted his unit. The military would not bring a POW up on charges unless they had compelling evidence. He put military and intelligence people in harms way when they conducted frequently risky searches for him. This is no hero in my eyes, even though this word is thrown about nowadays. However, his years spent as a prisoner with the Taliban seems punishment enough - give him his Other than Honorable discharge and close the book on this man.
8
Or--and apologies for the weird thought--we could go with "due process," and stuff. Apologies again and again for the whole liberal schtick.
5
It was his choice to desert and others were put in jeopardy. Why did we waste time to get him back - should have let him stay there and experience the life of a no one. Deserters are not respected by anyone least of all the side they go to.
15
Why should there be little desire to see him serve time?
Look what he cost his country, the United States of America.
Look what he cost his country, the United States of America.
11
If we didn't pay him after the desertion, maybe we saved money.
swrdm,
bc he became mentally ill and if you were in his shoes, you probably would do the same or something similar. I am glad that my taxes help support the mental health of someone laying down his life for some stupid war the USA shouldn't be involved in in the first place!
bc he became mentally ill and if you were in his shoes, you probably would do the same or something similar. I am glad that my taxes help support the mental health of someone laying down his life for some stupid war the USA shouldn't be involved in in the first place!
11
Because the last two wars have given us so little of which to be proud and so much of which to be embarrassed. One can empathize with him, that's why. In a way I would not if he were a WWII deserter. Remember, about half the country never wanted these wars.
3
I don't know whether Bergdahl is guilty of the charges or not and nobody else does either at this point. What seems a little jarring to me is the fact that he's the only person so far involved in these serial fiascos who is facing any kind of punishment.
15
Punishing a soldier who spent five years in the hellholes of Afghanistan jails for wandering around wouldn't be well received by the the American public. No one really knows what state of mind he was In when he was caught. he may have gone temporarily insane? He could have been sleepwalking. He could have been suffering from PTS, a very serious disorder. If he didn't give any secrets to the enemy, the military should let him go. He suffered enough.
12
If he is court-martialed, all of these things will come out. That's why they have them.
4
He deserted and it was by this action he ended up spending 5 years with the enemy.
Read Michael Hastings (RIP) article on Bergdahl from the June 2012 Rolling Stone magazine, you can find it on their website.
Read Michael Hastings (RIP) article on Bergdahl from the June 2012 Rolling Stone magazine, you can find it on their website.
6
Desertion during a time of war is very different from "wandering around".Soldiers have been executed for desertion. Other then being a traitor deserting is the worst thing a soldier can do. I doubt there will be much sympathy for Bergdahl among the American people if Bergdahl is tried and convicted of desertion.
4
I remember much was made last year that Taliban prisoners were released in the exchange. But irrespective of those individuals, the writing is on the wall for Afghanistan's future. The Taliban are getting their country back, regardless. Capturing or killing Taliban "leaders," "commanders" and "fighters" has not dented the basic premise here. It would have been an unthinkable shame to have left Bowe Bergdhal behind, just as it is an unthinkable shame to ponder all the life lost in vain.
8
Seems to me the best way for Obama to 'clear out' the prisoners in Gitmo. He cannot seem to do it through the traditional routes and this offered him a great backdoor avenue via secrecy until the last minute. Not that I agree, but the fact pattern is pretty clear.
Releases are often done but typically for high ranking officials, sons of politicians/general officers, and intelligence officers. This is one of the first exchange of its type for such a low level prisoner particularly in light of the prisoners exchanged. My guess is that Obama needed to be involved personally because the military would not sign off on the exchange; desertion charges make this pretty clear.
Releases are often done but typically for high ranking officials, sons of politicians/general officers, and intelligence officers. This is one of the first exchange of its type for such a low level prisoner particularly in light of the prisoners exchanged. My guess is that Obama needed to be involved personally because the military would not sign off on the exchange; desertion charges make this pretty clear.
3
Bergmann must stand trial. Many soldiers that served with him must be given the opportunity to testify what really happened. Americans deserve to know the truth. Most of all, the president must now explain the trade of Bergdal for 5 terrorists. Obama approved the swap without proper notice. We now need to know if he understood the facts before he made the decision. While there can we no happy ending, this could be a lesson for people of all views to learn from. Obviously, the public has not been served in a transparent or timely fashion.
14
Is there a difference between enlisting but ultimately wandering off base and taking multiple deferments so as to not enlist at all?
14
Deferments? He wasn't drafted. He voluntarily enlisted. There is no draft.
9
Deferments refers to our chickenhawk Dick Cheney, who wrangled five deferments in a row during Vietnam but then had no problem sending thousands of our volunteer soldiers off to die for no reason.
2
Once again we see there is one justice system for the little guy and quite another for the big guys, such as Petraeus. And, of course, they take the maximum hard lone against this ordinary soldier. Like he didn't suffer enough in that pointless war and as a captive of the Taliban.
28
cowardly deserters who left their comrades in the lurch have always been prosecuted.
7
He not only vacated his unit, his weapon, a light mgun used to lay down suppressive fire was left without an operator. Imagine if they were attacked and assumed he was there, maybe plan B.
3
Sgt Bergdahl will never see the inside of the stockade. It's unlikely that there will be a GCM despite the recommendation of the investigating officer. There may be
a general or COG discharge after which the sergeant will be whisked away to life after the military.
That's the way they roll in this administration.
a general or COG discharge after which the sergeant will be whisked away to life after the military.
That's the way they roll in this administration.
5
I have not read the 390 comments (at last count), but I would think at least one of them should haven't pointed out that the military has at least one strong reason to charge Sgt. Bergdahl with desertion: To make an example of him.
So the sad truth is, aside from whether he really deserted (how would I know?), he has the cards stacked against him because they want to make him an example.
So the sad truth is, aside from whether he really deserted (how would I know?), he has the cards stacked against him because they want to make him an example.
9
Then he's perfect for something.
5
"So the sad truth is, aside from whether he really deserted (how would I know?), he has the cards stacked against him because they want to make him an example."
Right, an example of what happens when one deserts the military. You really nailed it.
Right, an example of what happens when one deserts the military. You really nailed it.
2
I find the vitriol of some commenters shameful. They speak with absolute confidence about a series of events about which they know nothing. And the complaints about the President bringing him home are nothing more than nasty post hoc attacks on Mr. Obama.
The terrible war mongers like Cheney, Rove, Gingrich et alia were de facto draft dodgers. Nothing annoys me more than Mr. Cheney's "I had other things I wanted to do" as though that excuses his beating the war drum for young men with shaky futures.
The terrible war mongers like Cheney, Rove, Gingrich et alia were de facto draft dodgers. Nothing annoys me more than Mr. Cheney's "I had other things I wanted to do" as though that excuses his beating the war drum for young men with shaky futures.
44
Gingrich was long gone before this war started. Clinton was a draft dodger too...What is your point??
7
So, does this mean he will be made an example, and be shot fro desertion in the time of war? It seems the US makes examples and has a history of executing soldiers fro desertion.
There were people calling for the ultimate penalty when Sgt. Bergdahl was returned to the US. This has festered in Congress and the Pentagon ever since. Though, right now the maximum penalty is life in prison, certainly there are forces, in this country, who will seek teh death penalty.
Like everything else lately, we have politicians, in charge, who want to make examples of situations. Never the mind that wealthy people, or people in power, would not be made an example. They need an NCO to server as an example to those that the Us means business.
There were people calling for the ultimate penalty when Sgt. Bergdahl was returned to the US. This has festered in Congress and the Pentagon ever since. Though, right now the maximum penalty is life in prison, certainly there are forces, in this country, who will seek teh death penalty.
Like everything else lately, we have politicians, in charge, who want to make examples of situations. Never the mind that wealthy people, or people in power, would not be made an example. They need an NCO to server as an example to those that the Us means business.
5
"It seems the US makes examples and has a history of executing soldiers fro desertion."
Not really. Of nearly 50,000 American deserters in WWII, Pvt. Eddie Slovik was the only one executed. See:
"The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II"
By Charles Glass
Not really. Of nearly 50,000 American deserters in WWII, Pvt. Eddie Slovik was the only one executed. See:
"The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II"
By Charles Glass
2
You can count the number of soldiers shot for desertion on one hand and have fingers left over. "a history"? Bergdahl was not a NCO when he was deserted. It is the custom of the military to assume the person would have advanced had he the opportunity to take his exams and pass. Commissioned officers are automatically promoted by the selection boards as though they are present for duty and have satisfactory fitness reports. Otherwise Bergdahl's performance is not a factor in his promotions.
The military has to make an example of anyone who doesn't click his heels, obey orders, and do as he is told, even when the mission amounts to tilting at windmills conjured by a fevered political imagination.
In other words: immerse a good-hearted kid in a sea of insane horror for stupid, abstract reasons, and punish him if he cracks because validating your incompetent leadership depends on his holding his head high and puffing his chest out for you until the end of time.
In other words: immerse a good-hearted kid in a sea of insane horror for stupid, abstract reasons, and punish him if he cracks because validating your incompetent leadership depends on his holding his head high and puffing his chest out for you until the end of time.
24
He voluntarily enlisted. He was not drafted. He had an obligation to live up to the terms of the contract he signed as an enlistee.
I am no fan of the military, or wars. I believe "supporting our troops" means keeping them out of idiotic conflicts.
But he had no business joining the army, with his temperament. In a perfect world he would have been screened out before deployment. This is not a perfect world.
I am no fan of the military, or wars. I believe "supporting our troops" means keeping them out of idiotic conflicts.
But he had no business joining the army, with his temperament. In a perfect world he would have been screened out before deployment. This is not a perfect world.
9
Well said. The real criminals are Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. They should be confined for life in prison for effectively murdering thousands of our own precious soldiers, millions of innocents in Iraq, not to mention unleashing the whirlwind we are seeing now. Add to that the billions and billions spent creating this unmitigated disaster that could have been spent on healthcare, education, and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. It's telling that Bush has been in hiding ever since leaving office. That's what's despicable.
Whatever this kid did, he's served his time by being imprisoned by the Taliban. Enough already. Punishing him just distracts the public from the real criminals in Congress and the former administration.
Whatever this kid did, he's served his time by being imprisoned by the Taliban. Enough already. Punishing him just distracts the public from the real criminals in Congress and the former administration.
23
SCA:
Have you never changed your mind about anything?
The mark of an intelligent human being is the ability to modify one's views on the basis of evidence, a faculty glaringly missing from the pompous fools who control American foreign (and domestic) policy and the U.S. military.
A contract with no escape clause is obviously crafted to prey on its target's ill-informed understanding of the commitment he is making. That the U.S. military lures recruits to sign such a thing is reprehensible.
Besides, everything is negotiable for people who have money and power. Holding a screwed-up kid to his "word" doesn't build character as military manipulators claim. It hurts people and ruins their lives.
What makes me maddest about this whole "you said" subterfuge is that the people hurt and the lives ruined -- in the first instance, leaving aside the horrendous damage similarly manipulated "volunteers" inflict elsewhere -- are American citizens. Used, abused, and tossed away like so much garbage.
If these kids knew who and what they are fighting for, there would be no American military.
WWII, the "good war," ended 70 years ago. (Red Army won it, by the way.) Almost everything the U.S. military has done since 1945 has been sold on false pretenses, motivated by greed, was in no one's interest besides a power-hungry elite, and has produced nothing but disasters.
Have you never changed your mind about anything?
The mark of an intelligent human being is the ability to modify one's views on the basis of evidence, a faculty glaringly missing from the pompous fools who control American foreign (and domestic) policy and the U.S. military.
A contract with no escape clause is obviously crafted to prey on its target's ill-informed understanding of the commitment he is making. That the U.S. military lures recruits to sign such a thing is reprehensible.
Besides, everything is negotiable for people who have money and power. Holding a screwed-up kid to his "word" doesn't build character as military manipulators claim. It hurts people and ruins their lives.
What makes me maddest about this whole "you said" subterfuge is that the people hurt and the lives ruined -- in the first instance, leaving aside the horrendous damage similarly manipulated "volunteers" inflict elsewhere -- are American citizens. Used, abused, and tossed away like so much garbage.
If these kids knew who and what they are fighting for, there would be no American military.
WWII, the "good war," ended 70 years ago. (Red Army won it, by the way.) Almost everything the U.S. military has done since 1945 has been sold on false pretenses, motivated by greed, was in no one's interest besides a power-hungry elite, and has produced nothing but disasters.
7
To me, this speaks to the overzealous prosecution ethos that is the norm in this country today. Rather than consider a sense of justice that includes empathy as much as punishment, we run to court rooms to engage in what to me is legalese/posturing, which isn't the same as doing the right thing.
It looks as though the military wants to disengage from any relationship with him. That might be fair; I don't know enough. But strange to take such news-making legal action. What did they do about soldiers who deserted in the Vietnam Era, for example? I get it that desertion is particularly bad for team-building within the military, but settle this thing quickly and quietly. He was a prisoner of war for five years already; why so blood thirsty to get more out of him?
It looks as though the military wants to disengage from any relationship with him. That might be fair; I don't know enough. But strange to take such news-making legal action. What did they do about soldiers who deserted in the Vietnam Era, for example? I get it that desertion is particularly bad for team-building within the military, but settle this thing quickly and quietly. He was a prisoner of war for five years already; why so blood thirsty to get more out of him?
16
Hi PS,
To answer your question why:
1. At least 6 soldiers died looking for him. Who speaks for them?
2. The US Army has a long history of prosecuting deserters and they never stop looking even from Vietnam and Korea. The recently found someone who deserted to North Korea in the 1950's.
3. Desertion is not just particularly bad, it is an original sin and must never be tolerated or we have no Army and no country. The penalty on the books (UCMJ) is actually a death penalty. That is how serious it is.
Chances are that he will serve limited time due to his mitigating circumstances as having to suffer as a POW.
To answer your question why:
1. At least 6 soldiers died looking for him. Who speaks for them?
2. The US Army has a long history of prosecuting deserters and they never stop looking even from Vietnam and Korea. The recently found someone who deserted to North Korea in the 1950's.
3. Desertion is not just particularly bad, it is an original sin and must never be tolerated or we have no Army and no country. The penalty on the books (UCMJ) is actually a death penalty. That is how serious it is.
Chances are that he will serve limited time due to his mitigating circumstances as having to suffer as a POW.
3
I have no "empathy" for a deserter. It's the military, not a Montessori kindergarten. Bergdahl knew the rules.
6
It's hard to believe that when I was in high school (9th or 10th grade) we had to watch 'the execution of pct slovak' (sp?) in our American History class and that was around 1980. It was scary movie to me at that age, imagining that our government could kill me for flighting instead of fighting. Made a huge impression (no, i never joined the military).
I think he should at least do some serious time for his misdeed, and he should be made to watch that movie at least once a month.
I think he should at least do some serious time for his misdeed, and he should be made to watch that movie at least once a month.
8
"... he should be made to watch that movie at least once a month."
What do you believe he would learn from that?
What do you believe he would learn from that?
2
He'll learn nothing, seems like a good way to just have him be miserable.
Do Army recruiters get paid by commission? I know that the army can't be too choosy in regard to who they sign up, but a simple aptitude test might separate the non war like candidates from the gubg ho zealots. I personally don't think Bergdahl should have been in the army. Perhaps you could put in a clause wherein a soldier can get out when he realizes it's not the job for him. It might be a more humane way of dealing with things. Locking up a volunteer who just got out of enemy confinement might not be a good marketing tool for future enrollment.
7
No, Army recruiters are not on commission, and the Army is pretty selective about those who enlist. Nearly 70% of enlistment age individuals can't pass the physical or weight requirements, and many have criminal convictions that make them ineligible for service. With the job market in rough shape since 2008, Army recruiters are turning away far more candidates than they accept. It's not like the "olden days", when a judge could tell a young man, "It's either jail or the Army, son. Take your pick".
According to the last figures that I saw, it costs the government (that's us...well those of us who pay taxes anyway) over $70,000 just to get a soldier through basic training and Advanced Individual Training and on to his/her first duty station. Maybe they could work out some sort of repayment plan for those who want to leave before their contract is up. Private companies do that all the time. My wife still owes her employer another year before she has "paid off" the Master's degree in Nursing that her employer paid for.
According to the last figures that I saw, it costs the government (that's us...well those of us who pay taxes anyway) over $70,000 just to get a soldier through basic training and Advanced Individual Training and on to his/her first duty station. Maybe they could work out some sort of repayment plan for those who want to leave before their contract is up. Private companies do that all the time. My wife still owes her employer another year before she has "paid off" the Master's degree in Nursing that her employer paid for.
3
"Do Army recruiters get paid by commission? I know that the army can't be too choosy in regard to who they sign up,"
No commissions. It's their duty. The Military rejects high school dropouts, graduates who fail to show an ability to read well enough to follow orders, the obese, people with arrest records, people with antisocial behavioral tendencies. People with children from girl friends are rejected because in many cases they are not supporting them. Once in a girl friend can demand the military make him pay child support. People with exposed tattoos. They're very picky in this volunteer military. The military does separate personnel with a bad fit. It's a discharge on other than honorable service which can be harmful in a civilian environment. It's not a Dishonorable Discharge but it is taken seriously and you do not receive any of the entitlements due the Honorably Discharged.
No commissions. It's their duty. The Military rejects high school dropouts, graduates who fail to show an ability to read well enough to follow orders, the obese, people with arrest records, people with antisocial behavioral tendencies. People with children from girl friends are rejected because in many cases they are not supporting them. Once in a girl friend can demand the military make him pay child support. People with exposed tattoos. They're very picky in this volunteer military. The military does separate personnel with a bad fit. It's a discharge on other than honorable service which can be harmful in a civilian environment. It's not a Dishonorable Discharge but it is taken seriously and you do not receive any of the entitlements due the Honorably Discharged.
He was a POW for 5 years and until we have walked in his shoes or can read his mind, we shouldn't judge.
The govt of course will make an example of him and then forget that Bergdahl ever existed.
The govt of course will make an example of him and then forget that Bergdahl ever existed.
12
There is never an excuse to abandon your team.
There is never an excuse to exchange prisoners of war for a deserter.
Sincerely,
A veteran.
There is never an excuse to exchange prisoners of war for a deserter.
Sincerely,
A veteran.
39
How do you reconcile that with the military jargon about there never being an excuse to leave a soldier behind? Especially since his conduct could not be judged until we had his side of the story?
4
Orders from President Obama!!!
2
I served in between the Korean War and the war in Vietnam. I have no idea what
forces came to play on this young man. He seems totally unfit to have been put in such a situation. I hope he receives benefits however it turns out.
forces came to play on this young man. He seems totally unfit to have been put in such a situation. I hope he receives benefits however it turns out.
8
I think we all know someone who enlisted who had absolutely no business representing our armed forces. We have literally scraped the bottom of the barrell and allowed many men and women to join our armed forces because of need. Now we act like it's all of their fault for exhibiting the wrong behaviors. The all volunteer system only works in peacetime.
17
Nearly 75% of those desiring to enlist are rejected. That's hardly what one would call scraping the bottom of the barrel.
1
Anybody think FDR would have traded Goering, Goebbels, Eichmann, Mengele, and Himmler for a deserter?
21
So you can justify leaving an American Prisoner of War in the hands of our enemy as the war is about to close because of a desertion accusation? And you are comparing the Taliban Prisoners with the Nazis? These weren't upstanding guys, but it does a real disservice to your argument to compare them with some of the worst people of the 20th century.
4
Procedures for prisoner exchange will need to be reviewed. It is not clear that releasing 5 Taliban, some or all of whom are likely to resume militant behavior and subsequently put Americans in jeopardy, was necessary.
16
Punishing this guy for essentially reaching his limit and needing to somehow escape his situation, will just be another example of the way we pretend that the difficult to account for costs of war don't matter or don't exist.
18
He deserted from the Army in the face of the enemy not a cult or a Democrat party caucus. Join the rest of us in reality. You might findit refreshing.
28
He punishment will probably be a dishonorable discharge with no jails time. This means he would not receive the same benefits as soldiers who did not desert.
4
@Maxine:
The protests here, including several of yours, have nothing to do with Bergdahl and everything to do with finding another weak excuse to pile on Obama for lack of having anything worthwhile to do.
Stop pretending otherwise.
The protests here, including several of yours, have nothing to do with Bergdahl and everything to do with finding another weak excuse to pile on Obama for lack of having anything worthwhile to do.
Stop pretending otherwise.
6
Ah, yes, another obscure comment section in which the topic of the Bergdahl situation will morph into "I stubbed my toe and it's all Obama's fault because he rescued Bergdahl."
Truthfully, I really sympathize with the moderates in the right wing. I may find the all-for-one-and-one-for-all mantra of my fellow leftists a bit annoying at times, but I do NOT envy moderate Republicans - what's left of them, anyway - of their far right wing. Many of the comments here alone are enough to convince any independent to vote "D."
As such, well done, far right wing.
Truthfully, I really sympathize with the moderates in the right wing. I may find the all-for-one-and-one-for-all mantra of my fellow leftists a bit annoying at times, but I do NOT envy moderate Republicans - what's left of them, anyway - of their far right wing. Many of the comments here alone are enough to convince any independent to vote "D."
As such, well done, far right wing.
12
For the vast majority of Veterans it is correct to state that there is little desire to see him behind bars, as the author reports in the article. He should be summarily executed by firing squad after conviction.
12
And would execution by firing squad be the solution you'd call for if Bergdahl were, for example, your son?
Seems to me that what we demand of others should be what we would demand of ourselves.
Correct?
Seems to me that what we demand of others should be what we would demand of ourselves.
Correct?
6
Bergdahl would not be my son. But if he were, I'd wash my hands of him.
4
Sgt. Bergdahl's situation reminds me of the novel, "Going After Cacciato" by Tim O'Brien, a Vietnam veteran. It is a story that gives some insight into what might have motivated Bergdahl to leave his post and why the president spent political capital to bring him home.
5
"Going After Cacciato" is an extended dream sequence. Most solders dream of escaping combat, but nearly all do their duty.
5
I am a lawyer with an international background which includes dealing with people from Afghanistan (but not "in" Afghanistan). I have not been in in any of the services, although I tried for the NROTC program but was found unable to see well enough to get in.
Even reading just NYT Picks, I see people making assumptions about Bergdahl's actions and history that I have not seen anywhere as proven facts, including that the Army has acquired enough good evidence to bring charges.
As a plain old ordinary citizen, I have to ask why charges are being brought if "officials" indicate there is little desire to see the Sergeant serve time. Is this just to defend against claims that full process for him wasn't implemented, known on the street as CYA?
Regardless of how Bergdahl got into the hands of the Taliban, and what anyone thinks of the war, I cannot see why this soldier should be put through another round of public exposure after five years as a POW. Don't we have some better way to treat those who have served in this bizarre conflict?
Even reading just NYT Picks, I see people making assumptions about Bergdahl's actions and history that I have not seen anywhere as proven facts, including that the Army has acquired enough good evidence to bring charges.
As a plain old ordinary citizen, I have to ask why charges are being brought if "officials" indicate there is little desire to see the Sergeant serve time. Is this just to defend against claims that full process for him wasn't implemented, known on the street as CYA?
Regardless of how Bergdahl got into the hands of the Taliban, and what anyone thinks of the war, I cannot see why this soldier should be put through another round of public exposure after five years as a POW. Don't we have some better way to treat those who have served in this bizarre conflict?
106
We call them benefits, none of which Bergdahl deserves.
12
Unfortunately, a bump in rank and over $300,000 in back pay for being a traitor is involved. If it weren't, a plea deal would probably have happened. Being an attorney, you should know this. If Bergdahl is innocent, he should defend himself. But if he is guilty, he should recuse his guilt and live freely in America as a traitor.
8
The question remains, did he really serve in the manner that is expected of one who volunteered to be a soldier? The trial should give us the answer.
1
I have three members, two of which were career military members, and the one thing that you would dread to hear would be that your loved one has been killed in the line of duty. The bits and pieces concerning what Sargeant Bergdahl was revealing in his narrative concerning the circumstances of his capture and detention behind enemy lines sounded weak at best and ultimately treacherous at the worst!
He was snitching AND bad mouthing the U.S. military forces?! He's blaspheming his brothers in arms?!! This guy is insidiously weak and inconceivably selfish concerning the best interests of himself and his fellow American soldiers. If he does get life I won't bat an eye since his desertion got good men killed!!! No empathy, he was fully aware of the possible dangers facing all of them when he went wandering like some stupid twelve year old mad at his parents during a family outing.
Deplorable and unforgivable, those family members don't get closure and a precedent must be set now! If you sign up to the military you have to accept every aspect of that commitment and there is no exception to that (I'm speaking about the average citizen, we know some politicians, the wealthy, and aristocracy never serve in any actual conflicts) so deal with the full extent of your duties. Like I said, a life sentence won't even cause me to blink!
He was snitching AND bad mouthing the U.S. military forces?! He's blaspheming his brothers in arms?!! This guy is insidiously weak and inconceivably selfish concerning the best interests of himself and his fellow American soldiers. If he does get life I won't bat an eye since his desertion got good men killed!!! No empathy, he was fully aware of the possible dangers facing all of them when he went wandering like some stupid twelve year old mad at his parents during a family outing.
Deplorable and unforgivable, those family members don't get closure and a precedent must be set now! If you sign up to the military you have to accept every aspect of that commitment and there is no exception to that (I'm speaking about the average citizen, we know some politicians, the wealthy, and aristocracy never serve in any actual conflicts) so deal with the full extent of your duties. Like I said, a life sentence won't even cause me to blink!
15
Kids join when they are barely eighteen. I'm not really sure if they think through everything when they sign up. Maybe we should look at our recruiting practices first?
2
He was an adult when he signed up. Then he deserted. This is not complicated. Once you join the military, you are subject to the UCMJ. This is about as cut and dried as it gets.
4
Dear Jwrtr 68 : but nobody was killed because of him. Did you not read the article? If that had happened I might have agreed with you but I can't believe you want life sentence for Bergdahl even if nobody was hurt trying to find him.
They're charging this misguided soul with desertion?
First, bring charges against President G. W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Colin Powell, and all the NSA snakes and advisors (Paul Wolfowitz, etc). Don't throw this kid under the bus for what the big boss war criminals did. They need a day at The Hague before trashing Sgt. Bergdahl. They all saw 9/11 coming and yawned.
First, bring charges against President G. W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Colin Powell, and all the NSA snakes and advisors (Paul Wolfowitz, etc). Don't throw this kid under the bus for what the big boss war criminals did. They need a day at The Hague before trashing Sgt. Bergdahl. They all saw 9/11 coming and yawned.
30
Bush did it! Obama hasn't been president for 7 years...
14
@ Maxine: Yes, there are a few of us that can remember history, instead of blaming the whole situation our current president.
6
What a win win swap NOT. At least one of the militants released in the exchange is already busy trying to kill our soldiers. Leave it to Obama to glorify a traitor. As for the "oh poor Bergdahl" in these comments..our soldiers died trying to find his sorry behind. Bergdahl knew exactly what he was doing.
17
We should not forget the following : Many of our soldiers and countless innocent civilians in Iraq have died due to our misguided war in Iraq.
So, yes, Bergdahl put some of our soldiers in danger. But our then administration put far more in mortal danger.
So, yes, Bergdahl put some of our soldiers in danger. But our then administration put far more in mortal danger.
1
For background on Bergdahl before he was released and all the spin since, read Michael Hastings (RIP) article in Rolling Stone from June 2012, it explains why he deserted and why based on his background he thought he could just walk out of the war and on to new adventures.
You can find the article on Rolling Stone's website.
There are two other items unbiased clarification is needed on;
1. Were men killed in the search for Bergdahl?
2. Did Bergdahl provide actionable information to the enemy that caused violence against our soldiers?
You can find the article on Rolling Stone's website.
There are two other items unbiased clarification is needed on;
1. Were men killed in the search for Bergdahl?
2. Did Bergdahl provide actionable information to the enemy that caused violence against our soldiers?
5
Rolling Stone... The magazine that made up the UVA rape case???
3
The many thousands who served honorably - and the thousands who died in two wars that should not have been fought on the ground - demand that this fool be tried. Better yet, find a way to try GWB-43!
Too bad that we cannot just shoot both of them, but unfortunately, the Uniform Code of Military Justice does not include an offense titled, "Idiot."
GWB lied, Cheney became wealthier and an apparently 'dim' PFC will be punished in some way. Am I missing something?
Too bad that we cannot just shoot both of them, but unfortunately, the Uniform Code of Military Justice does not include an offense titled, "Idiot."
GWB lied, Cheney became wealthier and an apparently 'dim' PFC will be punished in some way. Am I missing something?
6
Curiously, there is no mention in the article about Mr. Obama and Ms. Rice praising this deserter. It is even more curious that the President coordinated the release of prisoners before telling anyone, even his own party. It is getting harder and harder to determine which side Mr. Obama is on. From removing all reference of radical Islam from the army training manual to meeting with the Muslim Brotherhood on how to overthrow Sisi who is anti-Muslim Brotherhood the President is looking more like a Trojan Horse every day.
18
What an outrage:
Bergdahl was exchanged for 5 Taliban who may well return to combat and fight against American soldiers. Bergdahl may be many things, he may be sick, or a conscientious objector or anything else and he may need help. What Bergdahl really needs is a jail sentence and then he can get all the medical and psychological help he might need. He also deserves a dishonorable discharge.
Bergdahl's job was stay and help protect his comrades in arms not expose them to enemy fire while they searched for him. His job was to stay and fight with them. His job was not to expose his comrades in arms to death by enemy fire while they searched for him.
Please note, at least one if not more soldiers died were killed searching for him.
Bergdahl is a deserter pure and simple and the idea we exchanged 5 Taliban for him is revolting to me. He abandoned his buddies who stood and fought while he ran away.
He should be charged with desertion and even more he should be charged with treason.
Bergdahl was exchanged for 5 Taliban who may well return to combat and fight against American soldiers. Bergdahl may be many things, he may be sick, or a conscientious objector or anything else and he may need help. What Bergdahl really needs is a jail sentence and then he can get all the medical and psychological help he might need. He also deserves a dishonorable discharge.
Bergdahl's job was stay and help protect his comrades in arms not expose them to enemy fire while they searched for him. His job was to stay and fight with them. His job was not to expose his comrades in arms to death by enemy fire while they searched for him.
Please note, at least one if not more soldiers died were killed searching for him.
Bergdahl is a deserter pure and simple and the idea we exchanged 5 Taliban for him is revolting to me. He abandoned his buddies who stood and fought while he ran away.
He should be charged with desertion and even more he should be charged with treason.
14
Anyone who has ever served knows full well the bar is low for enlistment and most certainly all officers are not equal to put it kindly. The Army is obviously complicit in this ongoing farce. This is good for Bergdahl as the Army will not want to embarrass itself in a trial. But the fact remains this man abandoned his post in a war zone. If you are going to field an army you gotta have guys who don't quit when they are no longer in the mood to play soldier. Now if you don't think you need an army thats ok with me too. Either way it's better to spend 5 years with Haqqani than come home in a body bag. I'd say Bowe came out way ahead on that deal.
7
The Army has filed charges. This means there is going to be a trial.
3
Such a despicable act and betrayal of the oath to support and defend the Constitution. Treason, no doubt. Charges should be brought upon those members of Congress whom accept information which Israel gave to them. Information which the United States was negotiating and Israel spied upon.
9
Yes, I agree that the Republicans in the Senate are guilty of all that you say here.
9
Something not mentioned in the article is the possibility of a General Discharge. It might remove the stigma of a Dishonorable Discharge without the full prestige of the Honorable Discharge.
3
Remove the stigma? By the time the authorities are through with him everybody in America will know his name, and it's not like "John Smith".
3
Who is concerned about that?
9
Whatever the discharge is called his name will be recognized when trying to find employment or for anything else in his life.
1
The man has not been convicted, only charged. wait for the facts to be presented and argued at trial.
15
Oh right, the soldier that Susan Rice told us was "captured on the field of battle" while "serving with honor and distinction."
This administration is an absolute disgrace.
This administration is an absolute disgrace.
22
He was serving with honor and distinction - until he couldn't handle the situation.
I'll tell you what's disgraceful: people who refuse to serve judging others who insist upon it. Bergdahl may have deserted, and it is still a higher level of service than those who willfully stayed home.
I'll tell you what's disgraceful: people who refuse to serve judging others who insist upon it. Bergdahl may have deserted, and it is still a higher level of service than those who willfully stayed home.
11
Liberals are attempting to hide Obama's nonsense behind the military's tradition of leaving no one behind. That tradition has never applied to deserters. Never. It has applied only to the captured, the wounded, those trapped behind enemy lines and the dead. To claim otherwise is to be dishonest at the least. I challenge anyone to give one example to the contrary. Quit giving Obama cover by dishonoring the military.
16
"That tradition [of leaving no one behind] has never applied to deserters."
Please cite a source other than yourself.
"To claim otherwise is to be dishonest at the least. I challenge anyone to give one example to the contrary."
You have the burden of proof. Look it up.
Please cite a source other than yourself.
"To claim otherwise is to be dishonest at the least. I challenge anyone to give one example to the contrary."
You have the burden of proof. Look it up.
10
Google deserters from Korean conflict, there were and we left them behind.
4
Liberal logic. Liberals assert that we trade for deserters. Then claim I have to prove them wrong. The burden is on you. You are a making the assertion and have no proof. It is impossible to disprove things for which there is no evidence such as the sun rising in the West or the military making deals for deserters. Name one case. One.
3
At least Mr. Bergdahl took it upon himself to enlist and then serve in a combat zone, unlike those chicken hawk politicians in Washington thirsting for war, any war, and surely the many commentators on this board who never had the courage to serve their country, fearing combat duty, also feeling good about themselves taking pot shots at President Obama at every opportunity.
20
Yeah like Sen. Tom Cotton's two tours of combat duty
6
If you join our all-volunteer army, you have by your own free will agreed to subject yourself to its regulations and to obey the orders given to you. If you choose to disregard or flout those orders, you are subject to the appropriate punishment.
Those are internal matters. It is the obligation of the military and the government to which it is subject to do everything possible to retrieve captured soldiers, regardless of how or why they fell into enemy hands. And since we have declared that we are engaged in a "war on terror," then our opponents in what we have declared to be a theater of war are enemy soldiers, whether in uniform or not. A trade of prisoners was legitimate.
Sgt. Bergdahl, from what I have read of him, was very likely an emotionally unstable young man who was most unsuited for a military career. But our depleted military is now scraping the bottom of the barrel to obtain enough cannon fodder to continue its operations in Afghanistan. In a more sane world, he should have enlisted and they should not have considered him recruitable. But he did and they did.
Of course he should be tried for desertion. Let the facts, as far as they can be determined, come out. He will be provided with competent counsel.
His sufferings, after choosing to put himself in harm's way by joining the army and then wandering off in extremely dangerous territory, were entirely the consequences of his own actions.
Those are internal matters. It is the obligation of the military and the government to which it is subject to do everything possible to retrieve captured soldiers, regardless of how or why they fell into enemy hands. And since we have declared that we are engaged in a "war on terror," then our opponents in what we have declared to be a theater of war are enemy soldiers, whether in uniform or not. A trade of prisoners was legitimate.
Sgt. Bergdahl, from what I have read of him, was very likely an emotionally unstable young man who was most unsuited for a military career. But our depleted military is now scraping the bottom of the barrel to obtain enough cannon fodder to continue its operations in Afghanistan. In a more sane world, he should have enlisted and they should not have considered him recruitable. But he did and they did.
Of course he should be tried for desertion. Let the facts, as far as they can be determined, come out. He will be provided with competent counsel.
His sufferings, after choosing to put himself in harm's way by joining the army and then wandering off in extremely dangerous territory, were entirely the consequences of his own actions.
63
The military is scraping no barrel bottoms. It rejects 75% of those who would like to join. My next door neighbor's son would like to join. But having two children by two different women is proof that he has authority and responsibility issues. His present girlfriend is covered in exposed tattoos and she too has been rejected. People with arrest records are rejected. High school drop outs are rejected. High school graduates with poor reading and analytical skills are rejected. The obese are rejected. Compared with the people I served with during the Draft era today's military personnel are the best we've ever staffed the military with.
2
Boy you are a real Pollyanna, aren't you? You actually believe there is justice in the military system? How about Eddie Slovak being executed for desertion during WWII when his real offense was saying he was tired of being involved in killing. None of the other thousands of American deserters were subjected to anywhere near the punishment he was. Most were reprimanded and returned to their units.
1
How many of the critics here have volunteered to go to war?
As Bergdahl did?
As Bergdahl did?
21
Do you know? What is your point other then giving Obama cover?
5
"... volunteered ..."
Thanks for bringing that up. The US military is an all-volunteer force, but once you have taken the oath[1], you are subject to military law[2].
[1] http://www.history.army.mil/html/faq/oaths.html
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice
Thanks for bringing that up. The US military is an all-volunteer force, but once you have taken the oath[1], you are subject to military law[2].
[1] http://www.history.army.mil/html/faq/oaths.html
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice
9
I have, and would go again.
6
Reading the comments here, I see the hard right in this country is happy to outsource military justice to a foreign country, kind of like they've done with our jobs.
15
Am I to believe outraged commenters would demand that any soldier, including their own relatives, be treated in the way they demand Bergdahl be treated if said soldiers acted similarly?
With shrieks and screams of "Traitor!" and demands for punishment vis-a-vis firing squad? That would be the call for treatment, of, say, one's soldier wife or soldier father or soldier son who committed actions similar to Bergdahl's?
Is that actually how that would go?
Because I find that hard to believe.
With shrieks and screams of "Traitor!" and demands for punishment vis-a-vis firing squad? That would be the call for treatment, of, say, one's soldier wife or soldier father or soldier son who committed actions similar to Bergdahl's?
Is that actually how that would go?
Because I find that hard to believe.
12
He is only being charged and hasn't been convicted. I think we are jumping to conclusions. However, he did leave the base voluntarily and put his unit in danger-that's something that we cannot forget either.
7
"Another question is whether the Army will give Sergeant Bergdahl an honorable discharge if he is found guilty of desertion."
Really? An honorable discharge after being tried and convicted by a court martial of desertion? Bergdahl should be worried about serving hard time in Leavenworth. If this was 1945 instead of 2015, he would be put up against a wall and shot.
Really? An honorable discharge after being tried and convicted by a court martial of desertion? Bergdahl should be worried about serving hard time in Leavenworth. If this was 1945 instead of 2015, he would be put up against a wall and shot.
4
The obvious answer to your question in the last paragraph. No a person who is convicted of desertion and being a coward does not get an honorable discharge from the Army. Traitors don't get rewarded, they get their due punishment. Whatever it entails.
6
If he disappeared when he was a private first class, and has been missing all these years, how is he now a Sgt.?
3
MIA service members are promoted while in absence over a period of time and the military also continues paying their salary.
4
Another example of Obama's "leading by speeches and photo ops" to deflect attention from his feckless foreign policy. To think that his co-conspirator in the charade, Hilary, may presage more of the same is scary.
11
Did we read the same article? I don't see that quote: "leading by speeches and photo ops". But never mind: it would seem you are saying that Republicans don't do the same? They're politicians! How naive can you get!
3
What soldiers would find most appalling is the selfishness of someone such as Bergdahl, who knowingly walked into the hands of the enemy. That Bergdahl needed to be rescued at all was entirely his own fault and reflects an incredibly selfish act on his part which a) resulted in the loss of the six lives of the soldiers sent to rescue him, and 2) moving forward the lives of anyone caught in the path of these five released Taliban officers.
That Obama would risk so much for such a derelict soldier shows that he does not understand what it means to lead in the military. Obama wanted the press op and did not care for the aftermath of the impression he has left on those who serve him.
Sickening
That Obama would risk so much for such a derelict soldier shows that he does not understand what it means to lead in the military. Obama wanted the press op and did not care for the aftermath of the impression he has left on those who serve him.
Sickening
22
@Elliot: Please cite your evidence that" resulted in the loss of the six lives of soldiers sent to rescue him." That claim has already been disproved. Perhaps Faux News is your source? Have you "led in the military"? Or even served? I have, and still think that the facts of Bergdahl's "desertion" will need to be presented at his courts-martial before the rush to judgement from all the "armchair Generals" chiming in on this! Cheney and his cohorts of neo-cons are the ones who should be up on charges for getting us into this bogus, never ending war.
3
The harshness shown for Bergdahl is not really unexpected. What I find interesting, however, is that most of them don't identify themselves as former military while those that are former military and combat veterans readily identify themselves and seem to have a level of compassion and understanding for him and the decision to exchange him. Reminds me of 'All Quiet on the Western Front" where the armchair warriors in the pub knew the answers.
27
You assume that all of those identifying themselves as former military in comments are being truthful. You also assume that those who do not reference military service haven't served. What better way to lend credibility to a comment justifying Bergdahl's actions than to claim military service? Back when I was a four star General that never would have happened.
4
Do you know everyone posting here? Do you know if those claiming military experience are truthful? How arrogant. Anything for Obama right?
5
We are not on Yahoo here. And if we are talking about being untruthful, wouldn't just as many be untruthful on either side? Or are you one of those who believe only doves and softies in short, "liberals," are untruthful? While unscientific, of all I have seen and read, those who have actually experienced war seem to have a much greater aversion to it and compassion for all those involved - including the "enemy." It is the armchair hawks like Cheney and Rumsfeld who seem to be so convinced and absolute - something Remarque saw too.
1
jail time and dishonorable are appropriate.
Bergdahl is a disgrace to the uniform. His actions jeopardized the lives of true heroes. He should not go unrewarded for his cowardice.
Bergdahl is a disgrace to the uniform. His actions jeopardized the lives of true heroes. He should not go unrewarded for his cowardice.
13
I am satisfied with these charges.
4
As long as he serves no more time in prison (Lord knows that he and his parents suffered enough) the Army should discharge him (honorably or dishonarbly) and let him get on with his life.
If he put any other soldiers in real danger during his actual disertion (not merely as a result of searching for him after the fact) he should rightly be dishonorably discharged. If not... an honorable discharge seems sufficient in light of what he has been through.
If he put any other soldiers in real danger during his actual disertion (not merely as a result of searching for him after the fact) he should rightly be dishonorably discharged. If not... an honorable discharge seems sufficient in light of what he has been through.
4
When do his dead comrades get released?
13
He deserves nothing less than life in prison, demotion to the rank of Private, and a dishonorable discharge (if found guilty).
12
Charge with desertion, he abandoned his comrades in a battle zone and let his brothers down.
No jail time, the Haqqani Network jailed him for free
Those released Taliban prisoners already have tracking chips in them the US knows what they are up to.
Dishonorable discharge
No jail time, the Haqqani Network jailed him for free
Those released Taliban prisoners already have tracking chips in them the US knows what they are up to.
Dishonorable discharge
3
No one commenting here knows all the facts. What drove this young man to desert; fear, innocence, young age, maturity? You don't know what a battlefield is like until you're there, until bullets are flying at you, until your buddies are being killed around you. We did the right to bring this American back and find out what happened and to learn from his experiences so as to help other soldiers who might find themselves in the same shoes. Charge him and release him, he's already paid the price and will for rest of his life.
21
You seem to be an expert on the cause of dessertion. What percentage of our soldiers in conflict zones dessert? Thanks for your informative reply.
4
He deserted from the Army in the face of the enemy not an encounter group at the Ashram or daycare. men died looking for him.
9
And now that the US may have more military involvement in Afghanistan than planned, there will be more stories of soldiers losing their rational thinking. To borrow from John Kerry, "How do you ask someone to be the last to die for a mistake?"
10
Or, as Kerry said many years later, I thought when the president said Assad's use of gas against his people is my red line, that he meant it.
1
Several American citizens held by Islamic militants were killed, some were beheaded. No attempt to barter for their freedom was conducted by the American government because that is the policy. It is sad, but understandable. Mr. Bergdahl, a soldier probably deserted and probably acted in a manner unbecoming a member of the U.S. Army by engaging in some manner of cooperation with his captors, the enemy. He is bartered for by the American government with the release of the five Taliban prisoners. A soldier knows the risks. It would seem that part of their responsibility to their country is that they would lay down their life for their country. One would think that if any exchanges were to be made, it would be the other way around. If found guilty, hopefully, some small measure of justice will be handed to Mr. Bergdahl with a lengthy stay in prison. No reduction of prison sentence for time already served.
9
Bad trade, like we said before. Should have left him there. I'm sure this is hard to hear by parents who have lost their sons and daughters in Afghanistan and Iraq. You have my deepest sympathy.
13
We flew flags for years for POW-MIAs during and after the Vietnam War. Not every one of them was a hero. Some of them may have also deserted. The Marines pride themselves on never leaving a fellow soldier behind -- not every one of these soldiers is a hero and some may have also caused the death of people searching for them. When it comes to POWs and MIAs, especially before we have them back and can hear their stories, we give the benefit of the doubt. As for what happens now, that is up to the military court system and not subject to public review. This is not the first time that this has happened.
9
SGT Bergdahl is a United States soldier. It was our job to get him back. "No soldier left behind."
9
The point is, this administration could have gotten him back without holding a triumphant Rose Garden press conference about it and sending Rice and Hagel out to talk shows praising him as a hero.
One more example of how clueless these guys are.
One more example of how clueless these guys are.
4
Perhaps the only people qualified to judge Sgt Bergdahal are other American soldiers. It doesn't have to be from his unit necessarily, but the only people with any credibility to judge him are those who have been deployed to a combat zone.
It is very difficult for civilians without military experience to even conjecture what goes through the mind of a soldier in the field. I'm inclined to give this young man the benefit of the doubt, but without combat experience myself, I don't feel qualified to judge him or the punishment that he will face.
As an American citizen, however, I feel qualified to ask why Congress doesn't do more to help our soldiers with medical care, housing and employment opportunities when they return stateside. It is the least we can do for these men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifice.
It is very difficult for civilians without military experience to even conjecture what goes through the mind of a soldier in the field. I'm inclined to give this young man the benefit of the doubt, but without combat experience myself, I don't feel qualified to judge him or the punishment that he will face.
As an American citizen, however, I feel qualified to ask why Congress doesn't do more to help our soldiers with medical care, housing and employment opportunities when they return stateside. It is the least we can do for these men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifice.
62
peter, war is hell. howsa bout giving him the responsibility for the deaths of his fellow soldiers trying to save him, instead of a bogus "benefit of the doubt."
3
At least 6 soldiers within his unit have spoken out publicly. They were the soldiers closest to him and knew far more about the circumstances involving his disappearance. They were also among the soldiers deployed to search for him. Every single one of them that has gone on the record to called him a deserter.
4
"Perhaps the only people qualified to judge Sgt Bergdahal are other American soldiers." And men from his unit did. They said he was a deserter, over and over again in the news. We lost men looking for him. You didn't know that? Guess you need to watch Fox News.
1
He's home. He's facing charges. Trying him in the press or in opinions won't shed any light on why he did what he did. He's the only one who knows. The military believes that there is enough evidence to charge him with desertion. That's now. Maybe there was not enough to charge him while he was a prisoner. Let's see what comes out and what happens before we condemn him or Obama or the military. We don't know what happened to him or why he did what he did.
50
Exchanging 5 known terrorist for a man who deserts his post is just another ring to go in Obama's legacy as the worst President in history on foreign diplomacy.
11
Hi Henry,
Agree with all you are saying but that does not explain the nationally televised Rose Garden celebration with his parents nor the comments that he served "honorably and with distinction". That was optional. They didn't need to hide behind a possible future conviction to do a cursory check on his story.
Honor and distinction are actually two different and very important words to warriors but apparently not important to politicians.
Thank you,
B Palmer
Agree with all you are saying but that does not explain the nationally televised Rose Garden celebration with his parents nor the comments that he served "honorably and with distinction". That was optional. They didn't need to hide behind a possible future conviction to do a cursory check on his story.
Honor and distinction are actually two different and very important words to warriors but apparently not important to politicians.
Thank you,
B Palmer
5
Obama was clearly following through on another 2008 campaign promise. "Close Gitmo". Why else would he have traded a US military deserter for 5 really bad terrorists? Before the Bergdahl trade, during his 2008 election campaign, Obama also promised to remove all of the US troops from Iraq. Look at how that turned out. Obama removed all US troops from Iraq, against advise from our own military, and it essentially resulted in a gift to ISIS. Now, because Obama may have learned he was actually wrong when he removed all US troops from Iraq, but never will admit it, he is not removing all US troops from Afghanistan. The good news is at least he is trainable. On that note, nothing bad will happen to Obama, because nothing ever does. He is untouchable.
12
@NYChap
I've got plenty of criticisms of President Obama, but your point is groundless with due respect. Short of a permanent military occupation of a sovereign country, ISIS or another terror group was inevitable. Our former ally under Ronald Reagan, Saddam Hussein, said the Americans don't understand Iraq and it only works when ruled with an iron fist. The murderous lunatic was right. We went there under a big lie. We traded Hussein for ISIS so Cheney and cohorts of Bush along with the Saudi Royal family could benefit both politically and financially. Let's also not forget the nationals of 9/11, nearly all Saudis, an "ally"
The war in Iraq, was a trillion dollar mistake by the way. Yet, let some poor uneducated soul get a few pennies in a welfare check and we react as if they robbed the Federal Reserve. Make sense of that.
I've got plenty of criticisms of President Obama, but your point is groundless with due respect. Short of a permanent military occupation of a sovereign country, ISIS or another terror group was inevitable. Our former ally under Ronald Reagan, Saddam Hussein, said the Americans don't understand Iraq and it only works when ruled with an iron fist. The murderous lunatic was right. We went there under a big lie. We traded Hussein for ISIS so Cheney and cohorts of Bush along with the Saudi Royal family could benefit both politically and financially. Let's also not forget the nationals of 9/11, nearly all Saudis, an "ally"
The war in Iraq, was a trillion dollar mistake by the way. Yet, let some poor uneducated soul get a few pennies in a welfare check and we react as if they robbed the Federal Reserve. Make sense of that.
10
I don't think you understand all the facts. The Iraq government refused to give U.S. troops a SOFA agreement so basically we could have been arrested at any time by the Iraqi security forces. If that were to happen we would have two choices, either give up our troops or fire upon the Iraqis. Since neither scenario appealed to me I would have refused deployments to Iraq and faced a court martial.
7
Uh, it was Andover Prep guy cheerleader, Viet Nam dodger, Boy George who signed the Status of Forces agreement with Maliki calling for all US troops to be out of Iraq.
6
Bowe Bergdahl sets a great example for all of our men and women in the military, and he should receive a medal of valor. He was able, by deserting, to indirectly cause the release of five innocent terrorists.
11
So much for Obama's stupid, premature Rose Garden ceremony for this individual. Kudos to the military for telling the commander in chief just what he can do with his celebration of desertion.
32
This is the same military who promoted Bergdahl to the rank of Sergeant while he was held captive by the enemy. The military effectively celebrated Bergdahl's desertion by promoting him.
1
No the military didn't "celebrate" his desertion. Prior to being convicted of desertion, he's a returned prisoner of war. By regulation, a prisoner of war accumulates back pay and promotions. If Bergdahl is convicted, he'll forfeit the promotions and the back pay.
4
As a former squad leader and battle group newspaper editor (Ft. Lewis, in the 60s), I did not experience a war but Sgt. B.R.B., was in a war zone when he wandered off. I wouldn't even begin to question what he intended; maybe he himself couldn't answer that question.
But lives were at risk in attempts to rescue him; this alone raises a question of AWOL.
So I guess that anyone concerned with the issue of fairness would hope that he gets a fair courts martial.
But lives were at risk in attempts to rescue him; this alone raises a question of AWOL.
So I guess that anyone concerned with the issue of fairness would hope that he gets a fair courts martial.
6
Once again the US military shows its lack of imagination and sense of proportion, let alone common sense. Who is this decision supposed to impress, except the neocon sadists? There are many good people in uniform, but there appear to be too few in top commands. Bergdahl has had enough. Let him go.
15
Let's ask Bergdahl's dead comrades and their families.
12
"Let him go"? Do you have your full faculties? Bergdahl put down his weapon and walked off his post, away from his fellow soldiers and America. He put soldiers' lives at risk as they looked for him. We should have left him with his captors but Nooooooo.....the King in Washington with his Grad School Groupies decided to trade FIVE TERRORISTS for this Traitor. If there was every any doubt about Obama allegiance to America, this deal should take away all doubts. Period.
8
I saw several interviews with members of Bergdahl's platoon who he abandoned. They all want him tried they want him to answer as to why he deserted them.
8
What was the point of trading 5 of the worst of the worlds terrorists for a lowly army deserter? They should have left him to his fate. He wasn't worth the trade.
Another Obama and Clinton foreign policy failure...
Another Obama and Clinton foreign policy failure...
19
Totally disagree. He was an American soldier, and we had the responsibility to bring him home, if for no other reason than to find out what happened. You would summarily judge and execute him based on nothing more than hearsay. Maybe he's a jerk and his platoon didn't like him, maybe he had a breakdown. But we take care of our own, don't we? We bring home those we can.
6
"Another Obama and Clinton foreign policy failure"
Which is insignificant when compared to the foreign policy failures of Bush and Cheney. By invading Iraq and dismantling their army, they completely destabilized the Middle East. Iraq was not home to anyone who attacked this country on 9/11.
Besides, over 500 Guantanamo detainees were released or transferred during the Bush Presidency.
Which is insignificant when compared to the foreign policy failures of Bush and Cheney. By invading Iraq and dismantling their army, they completely destabilized the Middle East. Iraq was not home to anyone who attacked this country on 9/11.
Besides, over 500 Guantanamo detainees were released or transferred during the Bush Presidency.
5
Obama has been playing with us ever since he discovered that being petulant is a good way to govern.
19
Obama threw a temper tantrum vis-a-vis Bibi. Will he know throw one vis-a-vis the US Miliary ?
5
Let's start the discussion with "How many US servicemen LOST THEIR LIVES while searching for Bergdahl?" Only after we find this answer can justice be properly meted out.
37
Anyone who has spent five years as a prisioner of the Taliban has already done time for any purported misdeeds.
He is not a traitor, he just "lost it" at some point, and has paid the price.
He is not a traitor, he just "lost it" at some point, and has paid the price.
23
I'm sure his time as a prisoner was not fun. However, he would not have been a prisoner had he not deserted his post.
10
How do you know. I've read he was into Islam.
2
"Another question is whether the Army will give Sergeant Bergdahl an honorable discharge if he is found guilty of desertion."
Only under this president would that be a question.
Only under this president would that be a question.
26
The President has no say in the nature of the discharge.
This will be determined under UCMJ procedues.
This will be determined under UCMJ procedues.
19
Right, John. Like the president had no say in when this report was made public. Only the Army's decision to sit on it this long.
6
Obama said we needed to do this quickly without consulting congress because he was in poor health and was getting worse. But he seemed to be in pretty good health compared to what other captives looked like. He not only deserted, he sought out the Taliban. He may have even helped them. The NYT characterizes the 2014 exchange for five Taliban "officials" These officials are terrorists - the worst of the worst - cold blooded killers. Bergdahl is lucky - in WW II , he would've received a lengthy prison sentence.
12
There is a part of me happy that America recovered one of its servicemen despite Mr. Bergdahl "alleged" desertion. The price paid, five terrorists, is what is questionable about Obama's judgment.
On the other hand, the Obama administation had no problem sitting on its hands and staying tough as one after another American hostage was beheaded by ISIS.
This is why Americans on both sides of the aisle worry about the nuclear negotiations with Iran. Which Obama will show up? The tough, "we don't negotiate with terrorists" Obama who allowed Americans to be beheaded by ISIS or the "cut a deal at any cost" Obama who traded five terrorists for a deserter (I mean "alleged" deserter).
On the other hand, the Obama administation had no problem sitting on its hands and staying tough as one after another American hostage was beheaded by ISIS.
This is why Americans on both sides of the aisle worry about the nuclear negotiations with Iran. Which Obama will show up? The tough, "we don't negotiate with terrorists" Obama who allowed Americans to be beheaded by ISIS or the "cut a deal at any cost" Obama who traded five terrorists for a deserter (I mean "alleged" deserter).
22
The United States Government has a higher order of commitment to recover a soldier who is a POW than it does a private citizen who is caught up in the threads of a conflict.
They are not equivalent situations.
They are not equivalent situations.
9
The difference between Bergdahl and the ISIS captives, is that he was sent to Afghanistan and is a member of the U.S. Military. Those captured by ISIS were civilians that went to Syria on there own and there own responsibility.
It may be a fine line it does make a difference.
I withhold condemnation until more 'facts' are known.
USMC vet.
It may be a fine line it does make a difference.
I withhold condemnation until more 'facts' are known.
USMC vet.
8
A rhetorical question, Mookie.
We know who will show up; the man with the lowest approval rate in Presidential history, who seeks to make his legacy by negotiating with anti-semites and repressors.
We know who will show up; the man with the lowest approval rate in Presidential history, who seeks to make his legacy by negotiating with anti-semites and repressors.
4
"... but also weigh on the entirety of how a service member looks back on his or her career."
We we wouldn't want DESERTERS to not think of the military fondly...
Maybe we shouldn't charge them with desertion either.
I'm sure that makes them think less of the military too.
We we wouldn't want DESERTERS to not think of the military fondly...
Maybe we shouldn't charge them with desertion either.
I'm sure that makes them think less of the military too.
3
Of course they didn't do this before the election.
Trading a deserter for six hardened terrorists who are still committed to our destruction only reveals the questionable motives and disloyalty of our confused Commander-in-Chief.
Trading a deserter for six hardened terrorists who are still committed to our destruction only reveals the questionable motives and disloyalty of our confused Commander-in-Chief.
11
There were facts. He is an American soldier. He was held in captivity – basically as much as a POW. There was pejorative information that he had abandoned his post. Those were the facts.
We bring home our service members. We never just leave someone. We don’t only bring home heroes. It is we who sent him there; it should be we who bring him home.
But having brought him home, he is returned to military justice. Apparently there’s enough to the stories we have heard from fellow service members to bring charges of desertion against him. No one rushed to these charges, but clearly no one preempted justice.These most serious charges have been brought. He stands charged. He’ll get his day to defend himself. We’ll see what happens.
This is the way things should be done.
It is not the same as bargaining with terrorist or paying ransom although we can understand how aggrieved family members of other Americans might feel. It’s not a happy business trading the five Guantanamo detainees, but their status was a mess and to an extent we got something for them for doing what eventually we’d have done regardless. Again, it isn’t a happy business but such was not on the menu.
I’m proud of us seeing our doing what must be done, our doing it by the book, our upholding and demonstrating confidence in our belief in our way of dealing with problems.
We bring home our service members. We never just leave someone. We don’t only bring home heroes. It is we who sent him there; it should be we who bring him home.
But having brought him home, he is returned to military justice. Apparently there’s enough to the stories we have heard from fellow service members to bring charges of desertion against him. No one rushed to these charges, but clearly no one preempted justice.These most serious charges have been brought. He stands charged. He’ll get his day to defend himself. We’ll see what happens.
This is the way things should be done.
It is not the same as bargaining with terrorist or paying ransom although we can understand how aggrieved family members of other Americans might feel. It’s not a happy business trading the five Guantanamo detainees, but their status was a mess and to an extent we got something for them for doing what eventually we’d have done regardless. Again, it isn’t a happy business but such was not on the menu.
I’m proud of us seeing our doing what must be done, our doing it by the book, our upholding and demonstrating confidence in our belief in our way of dealing with problems.
19
An awful lot of brave people risked everything to save him. That's what bothers me the most.
6
We actually did leave a couple deserters in Vietnam. Lee leave no man behind that served honorably
4
It is very revealing to read the comments of readers of different media outlets. More conservative commenters focus on Bergdahl's individual responsibility for his actions while liberal commenters, such as many here, blame "immoral" policies and involvements as being responsible. I also remember more liberal pundits declaring Bergdahl's squadmates to be liars when they described his actions. Sorry, but the Administration has egg on its face for jumping the gun and trading five dangerous terrorists before all the facts were known, not to mention arranging the Rose Garden ceremony with the parents. In any event, the contrasting comments point toward the seemingly irreconcilable idealogical schism existing in our country.
13
Just thinking about that Rose Garden ceremony sets my teeth on edge. When I think of all the families of soldiers who have served honorably and lost their lives and who will never see the White House Rose Garden much less be celebrated within it... That was 100% shameful and should never have happened.
8
I'm a left centrist, and I never said the any of things you claim. I didn't read any of them from people who tend to think as I do. I agree with many of the decisions Mr. Obama has made. Not all, but most. The Rose Garden ceremony was unfortunate, but the information the President was getting may not have been the best. I can't say he's had the best advisors, at times. Maybe we should ask about that. Why has it taken this long to bring charges, which is apparently not his responsibility?
5
This soldier, is a deserter. He wrote his father before he left is post that he was going to renounce his U.S. citizenship. He left a note in his tent that he was going on to a better life. Susan RIce, the NSA said that Bergdahl served with "...honor and distinction..." We traded five leading terrorist for a soldier whose desertion caused the death of four soldiers looking for him. It is crazy to make every issue a political issue. The facts are the present administration made a terrible mistake in in leading terrorist ( in a manner contrary to law-non notification of Congress as required by law). It is more than appropriate to admit that this was high mistake and Ms. RIce and others should admit they were wrong. A Congressional investigation is appropriate to determine why the mistake happened and to make sure it does not happen again in similar circumstances.
13
I'd much rather see top Obama Administration and DoD officials criminally indicted for willfully failing to protect civilians during drone strikes, especially where we have fatally killed scores of innocents trying to hit 1 person (often not even among the killed). We have obliterated 8 wedding parties in the last decade.
5
After 14 years in Afghanistan, what has been accomplished? Enormous misery and suffering of the Afghan population, colossal collateral damage in civilian casualties, a corrupt US-backed government, and the Taliban poised to take over when "we" leave. After Nuremberg, soldiers are required to have a conscience, not just follow orders. If they find that they are ordered to commit war-crimes against civilian populations, they would be required to resist orders and refuse to commit those crimes.It's not surprising Bergdahl had doubts about the glorious mission and wanted to find out for himself what was really happening. Maybe he made the wrong decision. Probably he did. But America should stand behind its soldiers, even when they make the wrong decisions, and not leave them captive in the hands of "the enemy." Maybe Bergdahl should be responsible for his bad decision. But maybe the worse decision was invading Afghanistan and Iraq & terrrorizing the civilian population for crimes they didn't commit, sending their countries into chaos and anarchy and creating terrorist training camps worse than anything that existed before the invasions. The whole war on terror was and is one big mistake. Maybe Bergdahl's "desertion" was a mistake too. But should he suffer while those responsible for this failed war still collect salaries at the White Housel Congress, & the Defense Dept.? Maybe, but I don't think so... PS: For real news from Afghnaistan, see RAWA.org.
10
Bergdahl is not a sympathetic figure. Sure he was a young kid placed under severe stress as have thousands of other young men and women. How many walked off their post in a war zone. Many probably thought about it, but they also thought about their comrades whose backs they were also responsible for, or the teams that would be sent out to rescue them. They thought about more than themselves as in the very moment of doubt every soldier must.
An honorable discharge...NO. Back pay and rank....No. Jail....probably justified. Name forever associated with cowardice....deserved.
An honorable discharge...NO. Back pay and rank....No. Jail....probably justified. Name forever associated with cowardice....deserved.
7
It is disgusting to read all these armchair warriors baying for Bowe Bergdahl's blood. What a convenient scapegoat. The real criminals are those who led the United States into war under false pretenses and those who continue these meaningless and endless wars. Somebody is profiting handsomely at taxpayer expense and it isn't the Bowe Bergdahls of the world. And what about those treasonous acts by those GOP members of Congress who sent a letter to the Ayatollah? Still waiting for charges to be filed on that one.
One can only marvel at both the sleight of hand tricks pulled by the American right and the ignorance of those who fall for them.
One can only marvel at both the sleight of hand tricks pulled by the American right and the ignorance of those who fall for them.
28
Start with FDR. And yet they've erected a memorial for him in the mall.
Do you believe at all in personal responsibility or only in institutional responsibility? No one forced Mr. Bergdahl to serve and I'm sure one rule that is made clear to all who enlist is that you don't walk off post. You also don't endanger the lives of your fellow soldiers who have to go on extra patrols looking for you. That behavior disgusts me.
5
In the day you would be howling because of an exclusive military. It was fixed, now we don't have to hear it but instead of lining up at the recruiters you exclude the same military at local celebrations.
4
A thoughtful observer might question the attention devoted to Sgt. Bergdahl, who after all is but one low-ranking soldier swept up in an unconscionable war. The military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, etc. have been completely unnecessary and totally unjustified and have served no legitimate security or other interests of the United States.
By now it is widely recognized that these military adventures were undertaken on the basis of specious reasoning and outright lies told by George Bush, Condoleeza Rice, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfled. Rice and Colin Powell famously invoked the images of nuclear "mushroom clouds" and "weapons of mass destruction" before the United Nations Security Council.
Court martial Sgt. Bergdahl and/or give him a dishonorable discharge? Don't be absurd. Bush, Rice, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and their henchmen should all be tried for crimes against humanity in the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
What could possibly be worse than starting and conducting an unnecessary and unjustified war? Conducting TWO unnecessary and unjustified wars, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. George W. Bush et. al. should be punished according to international law.
It's certainly praiseworthy that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was not left behind. But if the Bush leadership had any sense, Bergdahl wouldn't have been in the Middle East in the first place.
By now it is widely recognized that these military adventures were undertaken on the basis of specious reasoning and outright lies told by George Bush, Condoleeza Rice, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfled. Rice and Colin Powell famously invoked the images of nuclear "mushroom clouds" and "weapons of mass destruction" before the United Nations Security Council.
Court martial Sgt. Bergdahl and/or give him a dishonorable discharge? Don't be absurd. Bush, Rice, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and their henchmen should all be tried for crimes against humanity in the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
What could possibly be worse than starting and conducting an unnecessary and unjustified war? Conducting TWO unnecessary and unjustified wars, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. George W. Bush et. al. should be punished according to international law.
It's certainly praiseworthy that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was not left behind. But if the Bush leadership had any sense, Bergdahl wouldn't have been in the Middle East in the first place.
11
Walker,
Bush should be punished under "International law?" Sgt B. agreed to be held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when he SWORE an oath. The President of the US swore to protect, defend and uphold the Constitution of the US, NOT International Law.
Bush should be punished under "International law?" Sgt B. agreed to be held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when he SWORE an oath. The President of the US swore to protect, defend and uphold the Constitution of the US, NOT International Law.
3
I don't understand why it was correct to exchange five Taliban leaders for Bergdahl and yet the US government will not negotiate for others held by ISIS. Was it not clear that he was a deserter from the start? Why was his life more valuable than those captured by ISIS? It seems illogical to have ransomed him to have him stand trial before a court martial to be sentenced to life in prison. He is a US soldier, but a disgraced one.
9
Bergdahl was merely a pawn in Obama's misguided strategy to appease the Taliban, and to further his ultimate goal of closing that gaol known as Git-mo. Did the White House consult with the Army as to the circumstances behind Bergdahl's disappearance or just charge forward blindly to make this unqual swap of a misguided disloyal soldier for 5 islamic jihadists? We deserve an answer to that important question.
9
A detailed investigation was done, from all reports, and it appears sufficient evidence exists to file charges. Doesn't mean he's guilty, just that there is probable cause to believe he deserted. Like getting an indictment or warrant in a civilian case.
4
Color me shocked . . .
At least three of the five Taliban leaders traded last year for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have tried to plug back into their old terror networks, a government official familiar with the intelligence told Fox News, describing it as an attempt to "re-engage."
At least three of the five Taliban leaders traded last year for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have tried to plug back into their old terror networks, a government official familiar with the intelligence told Fox News, describing it as an attempt to "re-engage."
9
Some people are still stuck fighting the political fights of the last decade and refuse to appreciate the cunning maneuvers that secured the release
of the lone American soldier taken prisoner in Afghanistan at little risk to the security of the United States.
The evidence demonstrates that the Obama administration has been remarkably successful at preventing detainees it has released from Guantanamo from engaging in militant activities against the United States. Don't take my word for it, check the records of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the evidence. When put in the proper perspective, obtaining the release of the sole U.S. prisoner in Afghanistan is a masterstroke and worthy of congratulations.
of the lone American soldier taken prisoner in Afghanistan at little risk to the security of the United States.
The evidence demonstrates that the Obama administration has been remarkably successful at preventing detainees it has released from Guantanamo from engaging in militant activities against the United States. Don't take my word for it, check the records of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the evidence. When put in the proper perspective, obtaining the release of the sole U.S. prisoner in Afghanistan is a masterstroke and worthy of congratulations.
23
Have another glass of kool aid.
5
Do you have proof to the contrary, Maxine?
5
If Bergdahl was a PFC when he disappeared from his post, how did he become a sergeant? Does the military now give gratuitous promotions for being held prisoner?
I don't know if he was a deserter or the victim of some sort or mental breakdown. I don't know how anyone would go about determining that.
I don't know if he was a deserter or the victim of some sort or mental breakdown. I don't know how anyone would go about determining that.
1
If you're held prisoner, you accumulate rank and pay. All of which will be forfeited on account of his desertion, if prosecutors win in military court.
2
When soldiers are missing in action or captured, they are promoted at the same average rate as other soldiers with the same time in service. When a MIA or POW has served enough time to be considered for promotion, he or she is automatically promoted. It's always been this way. Actually, desertion is difficult to prove. The military cannot convict a serviceman of desertion without a courts martial. The Army interviewed Bergdahl and other soldiers in his unit before filing charges. He has been charged but not convicted. He will get a trial.
5
"POW personnel continue to be considered for promotion along with their contemporaries. Policy provides for each missing or captured officer/enlisted member to be considered for promotion to the next higher grade when they are eligible....."
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_...
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_...
3
In WWI & WWII many soldiers were shot for desertion, never mind they had shell-shock, were concussed, had lost their memory or mind on seeing the gruesomeness, horror and unadulterated madness of a battlefield or war zone.
If Obama had not made an exchange he would have been pilloried as the President who left a US soldier behind to be tortured and executed. But, he made the exchange and is pilloried because the soldier may or may not be a deserter. There is just no winning!
I guess all those that decry Obama's decision think it's just fine to leave a soldier in the arms of people who torture and threaten to behead him because he fails to meet the standards expected of a soldier.
That's a truly horrifying mindset, if I was a soldier I would be extremely nervous that my fate might rest in the hands of people who might decide that I was not worth saving because I failed to meet their expectations.
If Obama had not made an exchange he would have been pilloried as the President who left a US soldier behind to be tortured and executed. But, he made the exchange and is pilloried because the soldier may or may not be a deserter. There is just no winning!
I guess all those that decry Obama's decision think it's just fine to leave a soldier in the arms of people who torture and threaten to behead him because he fails to meet the standards expected of a soldier.
That's a truly horrifying mindset, if I was a soldier I would be extremely nervous that my fate might rest in the hands of people who might decide that I was not worth saving because I failed to meet their expectations.
36
Obama had no problem allowing American jounralists and aide workers to be beheaded. Did they not live up to his expectations?
2
No US soldiers were shot for desertion in WWI, and just one was executed for desertion in WWII. I'm not sure where you get your facts from.
4
Actually, only 1 soldier has been executed for desertion since the Civil War: Pvt. Eddie Slovak, during WW2. I otherwise concur with the rest of your assertions.
4
His fellow soldiers predicted this from the get go.
It was weird that it seemed he did not want to see his family members when he returned to the US....Bizarre.
It was weird that it seemed he did not want to see his family members when he returned to the US....Bizarre.
9
"A military person has committed the crime of Desertion if he/she is AWOL, and intends to remain away from the military permanently".
For the record I am a former USAF officer with service in Vietnam. I flew missions for 2½ years and have over 1000 hours of combat flying experience. I strongly support our troops and honor them for their service.
I'm not sorry to say that I don't believe Sgt. Bergdahl's absence constitutes desertion. And if I were a member of the court I would be hard pressed to convict on the evidence that has been released to the general public.
Did he leave his post, yes. Is he guilty of being AWOL, maybe, if not probably (he was off duty when he wandered away). Is he guilty of being "stupid", definitely. Here's the problem I have with the situation. If what I have read is correct he had "wandered" away before and had returned. Next, had he intended to "desert" when was he captured by the Haqqani network (and how do we know what he was thinking)? If it was almost immediately my belief is that he was still a POW. An AWOL (maybe) POW to be sure. But as far as I'm concerned he didn't meet the threshold to be labeled a deserter.
Now what would I do with him? Honestly I don't know. No jail time for sure, but what about his separation status. Firstly I wouldn't let him reenlist. Then there's the question of veterans benefits. I don't know enough yet to make that decision. Let's see what the facts are.
Finally, never leave a man behind
For the record I am a former USAF officer with service in Vietnam. I flew missions for 2½ years and have over 1000 hours of combat flying experience. I strongly support our troops and honor them for their service.
I'm not sorry to say that I don't believe Sgt. Bergdahl's absence constitutes desertion. And if I were a member of the court I would be hard pressed to convict on the evidence that has been released to the general public.
Did he leave his post, yes. Is he guilty of being AWOL, maybe, if not probably (he was off duty when he wandered away). Is he guilty of being "stupid", definitely. Here's the problem I have with the situation. If what I have read is correct he had "wandered" away before and had returned. Next, had he intended to "desert" when was he captured by the Haqqani network (and how do we know what he was thinking)? If it was almost immediately my belief is that he was still a POW. An AWOL (maybe) POW to be sure. But as far as I'm concerned he didn't meet the threshold to be labeled a deserter.
Now what would I do with him? Honestly I don't know. No jail time for sure, but what about his separation status. Firstly I wouldn't let him reenlist. Then there's the question of veterans benefits. I don't know enough yet to make that decision. Let's see what the facts are.
Finally, never leave a man behind
172
Retired Army officer here myself. Could not have said it better, including the parts that we don't know enough about yet to decide (i.e. which Veterans' benefits).
5
If he walked off on purpose, i.e. with the purpose of not returning that is in fact desertion. However, that is what the court will decide.
As for never leave a man behind...if the man doesn't want to come back that is a hard issue to address. 6 people died trying to get him back, sooo....never is a long time and a difficult promise to fulfill.
As for never leave a man behind...if the man doesn't want to come back that is a hard issue to address. 6 people died trying to get him back, sooo....never is a long time and a difficult promise to fulfill.
3
I think he belongs in military prison.
1
So when will we see the administration apologize for trading violent terrorists for a deserter whose actions resulted in the deaths of his fellow soldiers? Senator Clinton, would you care to comment?
16
I'm still waiting for the apologies for their war mongering lies about WMDS in Iraq from the neocons in the Bush administration who threw away the lives of thousands of American service men and women and left tens of thousands of others wounded.
And when will conservatives ask Pres. Bush to apologize for releasing around 500 prisoners from Guantanamo earlier.
And when will conservatives ask Pres. Bush to apologize for releasing around 500 prisoners from Guantanamo earlier.
4
About when we'll hear Republicans admit that they approve of leaving our soldiers to die agonizing deaths at the hands of their sadistic captors. Because, I dunno, they hate our soldiers or something.
4
It shouldn't have taken this long to figure out Bergdahl was a deserter. The fact that he was a loony tune is helpful in forming a rational explanation of his action.
But trading Bergdahl for 5 high ranking Taliban prisoners (without even the required notice to Congress) was in itself a loony act, only legally authorized under the "By Hook or by Crook" power that President Obama has recently claimed to possess.
But trading Bergdahl for 5 high ranking Taliban prisoners (without even the required notice to Congress) was in itself a loony act, only legally authorized under the "By Hook or by Crook" power that President Obama has recently claimed to possess.
20
He does lots to facilitate the other side , not on purpose of course.
2
President Obama made the right decision regarding the prisoner swap involving Sgt. Bergdahl. Thanks to the decisive action of our president, this US Army sergeant is alive today and is now facing criminal prosecution for his alleged misdeeds in Afghanistan.
Regarding the five detainees released in exchange for this soldier, their release simply means there are five less prisoners being held in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba within our modern day version of the Soviet Union's 'Gulag Archipelago'.
Otherwise
Regarding the five detainees released in exchange for this soldier, their release simply means there are five less prisoners being held in Guatanamo Bay, Cuba within our modern day version of the Soviet Union's 'Gulag Archipelago'.
Otherwise
2
If Bergdahl is indeed a "looney-tune" then there really isn't a "rational" explanation for his action. He is inherently irrational.
As for the rest of your assertions regarding the President's actions, it's easy to pass judgement well after the fact. I'm sure you would be equally outraged if The Prez left an American soldier in enemy hands because the deal wasn't good enough.
As for the rest of your assertions regarding the President's actions, it's easy to pass judgement well after the fact. I'm sure you would be equally outraged if The Prez left an American soldier in enemy hands because the deal wasn't good enough.
2
Wait... What?!?
Didn't Obama and Rice STATE this traitor served with honor and distinction!!! Maybe they meant not a smidgen of honor and distinction? Knowing those two... I doubt it, they meant what they said. And what about the fab five Taliban they swapped him for?
Just whose side is Obama on?
Didn't Obama and Rice STATE this traitor served with honor and distinction!!! Maybe they meant not a smidgen of honor and distinction? Knowing those two... I doubt it, they meant what they said. And what about the fab five Taliban they swapped him for?
Just whose side is Obama on?
27
You mean the same guy heard on an open mic telling Putin to wait until after the election? The same guy doing a real good job of alienating our Israeli Allies?
The same guy "negotiating" with Iran for something?
The one who left Ambassador Stevens high and dry...and almost our Yemen Embassy staff?
What do you mean "Whose side is he on?"
Remember all those crazy "Birthers?" Those guys were nuts.
The same guy "negotiating" with Iran for something?
The one who left Ambassador Stevens high and dry...and almost our Yemen Embassy staff?
What do you mean "Whose side is he on?"
Remember all those crazy "Birthers?" Those guys were nuts.
5
When may we start referring to Private Bergdahl by his pre-desertion rank?
Inquiring veterans want to know.
Inquiring veterans want to know.
21
I dodge the issue entirely by calling him "Mr. Bergdahl". One way or the other, he won't be in the military much longer. If he's not convicted, in all likelihood he's not going to be signing up for another tour of duty.
Charge him with desertion, give him a general discharge, and cut him loose. Being held prisoner by the Taliban for so many years is punishment enough.
If you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran, I value your opinion on this matter; if you do not know what it means to wear the uniform and serve and protect our country, and you want to throw him in jail or sentence him to some other harsh punishment, please keep your mouth shut. Your opinion is worthless and shall not to be considered.
If you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran, I value your opinion on this matter; if you do not know what it means to wear the uniform and serve and protect our country, and you want to throw him in jail or sentence him to some other harsh punishment, please keep your mouth shut. Your opinion is worthless and shall not to be considered.
22
When do his dead comrades get released and returned to their families?
6
Bowe sitting with his Taliban buddies sipping tea and eating Kulabi Pulao like an honored guest is not the same as sitting time out in Leavenworth Prison, Pooja
He helped the enemy and US soldiers died trying to "rescue" him when he willingly showed up on the Taliban's doorstep as a US defector and fellow Muslim.
He helped the enemy and US soldiers died trying to "rescue" him when he willingly showed up on the Taliban's doorstep as a US defector and fellow Muslim.
3
Charge him with desertion, give him an undesirable discharge and a term in military prison.
The right wing media cant help themselves on this one. They are already out in force with what a terrible mistake the President made on this prisoner swap. What an incredible poor memory we all have. The real presidential mistake was when, under false pretenses we invaded Iraq and lost 5000 soldiers wounded thousands more, ruined thousands of families lives and wasted billions of dollars. Iraq is now in worse shape than when Saddam was running the country and we have probably pushed Iraq into the hands or an arch enemy, Iran. That is a presidential mistake.
77
"Iraq is now in worse shape than when Saddam was running the country and we have probably pushed Iraq into the hands or an arch enemy, Iran. That is a presidential mistake."
Correct. This is what happened when Obama failed to secure the peace and keep troops in Iraq.
ISIS -- compliements of the smartest guy in the room.
Correct. This is what happened when Obama failed to secure the peace and keep troops in Iraq.
ISIS -- compliements of the smartest guy in the room.
11
Bush did it! Amazing. Seven years in.
7
No one deserts their country. USA first.
1
Bergdahl is a poster boy for mental illness suffered by many military young men and women in our so-called volunteer military . He is no hoo-ra volunteer. This is guy who was ordered to Afghanistan and just lost it. He needs help, not prison. Outrageous.
241
He doesn't deserve prison?
His being AWOL is the reason SIX military members died looking for him; after and because he broke the law.
If you break laws and people die... I think prison might be appropriate. Clearly you disagree.
If I'm drunk driving and run someone over... is that bad, or not bad?
I didn't mean to kill someone; so not bad and I get a pass on the whole people dying due to my actions?
His being AWOL is the reason SIX military members died looking for him; after and because he broke the law.
If you break laws and people die... I think prison might be appropriate. Clearly you disagree.
If I'm drunk driving and run someone over... is that bad, or not bad?
I didn't mean to kill someone; so not bad and I get a pass on the whole people dying due to my actions?
5
He was in Afghanistan for ONE MONTH before deserting. Stop with teh excuses already. the guy volunteered to serve, passed basic training, was deployed and deserted after a month.
He deserves whatever the military decides, which hopefully includes years in prison, where he can think about the danger he put his fellow soldiers in.
He deserves whatever the military decides, which hopefully includes years in prison, where he can think about the danger he put his fellow soldiers in.
8
Sgt Bergdahl is 29 years old---not a kid. He was 23 when he walked away from his post---again not a kid. The military is all volunteer--no one is drafted in (not even in an economic sense which I think is what you are getting at)---look at Bergdahl himself: "The future is too good to waste on lies. And life is way too short to care for the damnation of others, as well as to spend it helping fools with their ideas that are wrong. I have seen their ideas and I am ashamed to even be american. The horror of the self-righteous arrogance that they thrive in. It is all revolting." From a letter to his parents published in Rolling Stone, Michael Hastings, 7 Jun 2012.
3
Am I missing something here? Bergdhal held the rank of PFC at the time of his capture, buton his release he was a Sargent? How does this work? I've heard of battlefield promotions, but POW promotions?
That said, I think we outside the military should back off and let the process take it's course. The Uniform Code of Military Justice has been in place for a long time, and is more than capable of handling a desertion issue at court martial.
That said, I think we outside the military should back off and let the process take it's course. The Uniform Code of Military Justice has been in place for a long time, and is more than capable of handling a desertion issue at court martial.
4
"Bergdhal held the rank of PFC at the time of his capture, buton his release he was a Sargent? How does this work?"
Sgt. Bergdahl was automatically promoted while he was missing.
Sgt. Bergdahl was automatically promoted while he was missing.
POWs accumulate rank and pay while prisoner. In this case, if he's convicted of desertion he'll lose the rank and the back pay at the very least.
2
I cannot think of a better symbol of the Obama administration competence and its utter lack of respect and understanding of American values than trading five terrorists for an American soldier that is now being charged with desertion.
44
We don't leave soldiers behind. That's the bottom line. To criticize Obama for getting this man back is just plain wrong.
6
I totally disagree!! He's an American soldier and he has a right to his day in court! You have no clue if that soldier is innocent or guilty!! I think you're the one who has no respect for american values!!
5
This is being done to send a message to other soldiers and to respect the soldiers that didn't crack under pressure. Weather Bergdahl went crazy or not is beside the point. This charge of desertion is about oiling the machine of war. There can be no question of loyalty. Otherwise things fall apart.
Maybe someone should charge our Congress with desertion. They seem to be more about Iran and Israel than USA. Dishonorable discharge with no benefits.
Maybe someone should charge our Congress with desertion. They seem to be more about Iran and Israel than USA. Dishonorable discharge with no benefits.
17
Let me see. If I read this correctly, we traded five of our enemy for one of our soldiers who deserted his post and sympathized with that same enemy. Is this what they mean when they talk about the "new" math? Sorry to have to say it but it just doesn't add up.
27
Not mentioned in the NYT account detailed by the Col spokesman is that one punishment, besides being found guilty and reduced in rank, can be the forfiture of all the $300,000 back pay for his 5 years as a prisoner.
8
Very happy to hear that Bergdahl will be brought to justice despite the reported efforts of the Obama administration to keep Bergdahl from being charged with desertion. Obama has been a disaster for the US. He released five terrorist leaders for one deserter and thus put other American soldiers at risk. One of the Gitmo terrorists Obama released without the approval of Congress has already attempted to return to the battlefield.
22
??? there were no efforts by the Administration to interfere with military justice. Why are you makng false statememts?
2
You can choose not to believe the reports in the press. But it has been reported that the military has wanted to charge Bergdahl with desertion for a long time. However the Obama WH was working behind the scenes to stop the military from charging Bergdahl with desertion in order to save Obama from embarrassment.Thankfully honorable military men have done the right thing.
5
It is only a charge and the UCMJ provides substantial protection to Sergeant Bergdahl. We should let the process play out and not rush to any premature judgments. To prove desertion, the Army will have to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Sergeant Bergdahl knowingly without authority went absent from his unit with the specific intent to remain permanently absent. All we know is that Sergeant Bergdahl went for an ill advised hike into an area that was away from his post. We should let justice take its course.
102
As a Vietnam veteran I only became aware of this "intent to remain permanently absent " today. So it isn't desertion if I had departed my unit early on January 31, 1968 after we were warned of an immanent attack and I returned several days later when it was all over for our compound? I find it hard to believe this requirement of permanent absence without regard to specific circumstances.
1
Is the UCMJ capable of handling a desertion issue somewhat better than it handled the those who committed the massacre at My Lai, and those who covered it up?
The only conviction was of Lt. Calley, later pardoned; Maj. Medina was found not guilty; no one was charged for a coverup that endured for months, and at some point seems even to have involved then Maj Colin Powell.
No one in the ranks was charged, though we are supposed to teach everyone in basic training what is and what is not a lawful order.
Gen. Koster, promoted from his post as commanding officer of the Americal
Division to become Commandant of USMA, was taken down a rank and replaced and retired by reason of the coverup, but 13 other officers were not charged.
In a particularly disgusting lapse, it took years for the helicopter crew members who had stopped the massacre--Hugh Thompson, Larry Colburn, and Glenn Andreotta—to be recognized for their heroism.
Military justice is to justice as military music is to music.
The only conviction was of Lt. Calley, later pardoned; Maj. Medina was found not guilty; no one was charged for a coverup that endured for months, and at some point seems even to have involved then Maj Colin Powell.
No one in the ranks was charged, though we are supposed to teach everyone in basic training what is and what is not a lawful order.
Gen. Koster, promoted from his post as commanding officer of the Americal
Division to become Commandant of USMA, was taken down a rank and replaced and retired by reason of the coverup, but 13 other officers were not charged.
In a particularly disgusting lapse, it took years for the helicopter crew members who had stopped the massacre--Hugh Thompson, Larry Colburn, and Glenn Andreotta—to be recognized for their heroism.
Military justice is to justice as military music is to music.
2
When you leave your weapon behind you've deserted. It means you are refusing to serve in the capacity for which you agreed.
I would like to know what kind of influence the Bergdahl family has in order to trade 5 Taliban prisoners for him (now endangering our country)while more deserving Americans are left languished in foreign jails.
This case should be investigated. I see corruption, influence buying.
This case should be investigated. I see corruption, influence buying.
3
His father is a truck driver.
If you're looking for influence buying, see under H. Clinton and their foundation.
If you're looking for influence buying, see under H. Clinton and their foundation.
8
This was not a rich family getting privileges not usually available to normal soldiers.
This was the principle of bringing home POWs.
What happens after coming home is an open question for the UCMJ.
But we bring home POWs - nice ones, not-s0-nice ones, handsome ones and ugly ones.
This was the principle of bringing home POWs.
What happens after coming home is an open question for the UCMJ.
But we bring home POWs - nice ones, not-s0-nice ones, handsome ones and ugly ones.
6
This is a completely fact free analysis.
2
I still don't understand why this guy did what he did -- does anyone? But this much seems clear. He is an American soldier, so it was correct not to leave him behind. If he deserted, or went AWOL, then it is correct to mete out the appropriate punishment.
139
Thank you for expressing my feeling way better than I could!!!
Yes, you try to get him, but you don't make deals with the enemy.
Good summation. We have an obligation to retrieve any soldiers we can and then assess the situation with a trial to follow if warranted. It is impossible for the military to properly assess every soldier's like response to difficult duty and must be prepared to deal with personal failure in the field. This is war and not everyone is fit to deal with it (except, of course, all of the Neocon warriors like Cheney, who never served).
I wonder which of the Bergdahl objectors here would want his or her child-, spouse-, or parent-soldier to be left behind even if s/he deserted. Who here is that noble, and by what proof?
You really have to be willing to be on the receiving end of your own convictions before demanding them for others. Bergdahl's actions might necessitate punishment, but the lack of context - WAR - by many in this forum is a bit halting.
You really have to be willing to be on the receiving end of your own convictions before demanding them for others. Bergdahl's actions might necessitate punishment, but the lack of context - WAR - by many in this forum is a bit halting.
15
When I read this headline I had a visceral reaction, disgust. It angers me that this man who was held prisoner under extremely primitive circumstances by terrorists will now be charged with any kind of crime.
Both this war and the war in Iraq were, in my opinion, illegal, amoral, and an affront to anyone with a conscience. Our entire presence in the Middle East is an oil grab. The fact that anyone enlists in a volunteer army should also give them the right to leave if they feel that they are being morally misdirected.
There is so much right about this country, but there is also so much wrong. This charge falls on the wrong side big time.
Both this war and the war in Iraq were, in my opinion, illegal, amoral, and an affront to anyone with a conscience. Our entire presence in the Middle East is an oil grab. The fact that anyone enlists in a volunteer army should also give them the right to leave if they feel that they are being morally misdirected.
There is so much right about this country, but there is also so much wrong. This charge falls on the wrong side big time.
35
I have sympathy for what Bergdahl experienced as a Taliban POW.
But he did violate a very basic principle for any soldier - deserting his post.
He deserves (and has received) considerable sympathy for the tough times, but must also face the music for his bad choices.
This is the correct balance of mercy and justice.
But he did violate a very basic principle for any soldier - deserting his post.
He deserves (and has received) considerable sympathy for the tough times, but must also face the music for his bad choices.
This is the correct balance of mercy and justice.
2
'Both this war and the war in Iraq were, in my opinion, illegal, amoral, and an affront to anyone with a conscience.'
Well, with respect to Afghanistan, the Taliban provided sanctuary to bin Laden and al Qaeda and they were offered the option of delivering him to us after 9/11. They refused and paid the price.
Never forget that if bin Laden's attack in NYC had occurred just 90 minutes later than it did, over 25,000 people would've been in the Twin Towers.
Well, with respect to Afghanistan, the Taliban provided sanctuary to bin Laden and al Qaeda and they were offered the option of delivering him to us after 9/11. They refused and paid the price.
Never forget that if bin Laden's attack in NYC had occurred just 90 minutes later than it did, over 25,000 people would've been in the Twin Towers.
What about to the soldiers who were killed trying to rescue Bergdahl? Obama and his administration has embarrassed the whole country by this disgraceful horror.
15
Well, we can sure see who's out here commenting today. Wonder how many of you out here advocating for a firing squad ever even got close to serving in an actual war? So many judges here, as usual, sans fact but full of indignant outrage...
34
It's doubtful that Bergdahl will serve prison time. He will probably just be stripped of rank, pay and benefits.
3
There are much more serious issues in Afghanistan for us to address. To let this situation rule the day is to kowtow to an angry mob who simply can't see past its hatred for Obama.
Let the courts prevail through examination of evidence. The mob can slither away and go be useless elsewhere.
Let the courts prevail through examination of evidence. The mob can slither away and go be useless elsewhere.
15
If only Bush had stated he served w distinction and honor!!!
1
Actually, he served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard protecting our southern border from thet hreat posed by the Mexican Air Force!
Different spank for different rank.
Higher ranked General Petraeus was allowed to a plea deal, despite passing sensitive information to his mistress.
Even higher ranked folks are completely off the hook for alleging weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that still haven't been found.
Higher ranked General Petraeus was allowed to a plea deal, despite passing sensitive information to his mistress.
Even higher ranked folks are completely off the hook for alleging weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that still haven't been found.
43
Not different spank for different rank in the case.
Different time for different crime.
Desertion is a very big deal in the military ---- even if it seems understandable to civilians viewing this from afar.
Different time for different crime.
Desertion is a very big deal in the military ---- even if it seems understandable to civilians viewing this from afar.
Will Hillary face charges similar to Petraeus's for her email shenanigans?
4
Yes, it is apparent now that he was not Audie Murphy. That said, the Army - as it always has intended - brought a soldier home from war. The process under the UCMJ continues to work quite well.
14
This guy should be court-martialed and convicted for desertion. Not only have comrades lost their lives for this deserter our Government was forced into exchanging 5 Taliban prisoners. No, the time spent in Afghanistan should not be taken into account because the time he went missing in Afghanistan is due to him wandering away from the post. It was a wilful act not due to any lack of memory or mental problems.
21
How in the world do you know that this "was a wilful act not due to any lack of memory or mental problems"?
Be specific, and cite verifiable data.
Be specific, and cite verifiable data.
18
The judgmental, holier-than-the-rest-of-us don't need no stinkin' "verifiable data." They've got FOX "News."
8
The Army has the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It works very well. Hopefully it goes to General Court Martial and a Jury made up of Soldiers will decide his fate, not a civilian politician. Most would be amazed at how fair this would be!
23
Of all the innocent people captured by an enemy force, this is the guy the Obama Administration decides should be the exception to our longstanding American policy of never negotiating with terror groups. He voluntarily left his sworn and legal duty to our country. He turned his back on his fellow troops. He sympathized with the enemy. I voted for Obama and I strongly disagree with how this was handled. This guy should be in jail. He was a deserter when captured, not a U.S. Soldier. He gave that up. One can't have it both ways. There are those who have done much less and punished more harshly.
166
Getting this guy back was the right thing to do. We shouldn't leave our punishments up to our enemies. We bring this guy back, determine that he actually did something wrong, then hold him accountable in accordance with **our** laws.
6
It actually isn't up to up to decide what he is and what punishment he gets. The military has a Justice system, and he is subject to that.
Trading for military prisoners is different from paying for hostages, by the way, since you are conflating the two. And trades of military prisoners has been a fact of life in wars for thousands of years. Lastly, to make a very obvious point - the persons you trade are the enemy. Who you captured
Trading for military prisoners is different from paying for hostages, by the way, since you are conflating the two. And trades of military prisoners has been a fact of life in wars for thousands of years. Lastly, to make a very obvious point - the persons you trade are the enemy. Who you captured
8
@MCS
I served on combat operations in Iraq as a US Marine, and continue to serve in the Reserves now. Have you ever served in uniform, in combat??
You seem to have some pretty strong views for someone who likely never took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and severe legal views of what someone WHO DID/DOES SERVE should be subjected. You seem pretty righteous in your visceral reaction to Sgt Bergdahl's case, what qualifies as due process (he should be in jail, without a trial?), and what is just and appropriate.
How about you have yourself a nice cup of hot tea, and simmer down, Hoss?
Sgt Bergdahl, it appears likely, left his post and went AWOL in AFG. He royally p*ssed off some of his platoon mates in so doing. OK, fair enough.
Sgt Bergdahl also, for his troubles and mistakes, spent 5 years as a guest of the Taliban. THE Taliban. In a box. He spent most of five years in a box.
Re-read that, please. In a friggin' box. alone, for five years.
And you, the righteous, patriotic New Yorker who likely never served, want to see him now in jail?? Who are you to judge Bergdahl so harshly?
Furthermore, those five Taliban commanders we traded? Re-inserting them a decade on back in to the Taliban leadership structure in 2014, was highly disruptive to the young bucks who since came up, and is a hit to them. More importantly, if you had any cop, you would know those Taliban out wandering around full of bio-sensors and trackable and "helpful". Semper Fi.
I served on combat operations in Iraq as a US Marine, and continue to serve in the Reserves now. Have you ever served in uniform, in combat??
You seem to have some pretty strong views for someone who likely never took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and severe legal views of what someone WHO DID/DOES SERVE should be subjected. You seem pretty righteous in your visceral reaction to Sgt Bergdahl's case, what qualifies as due process (he should be in jail, without a trial?), and what is just and appropriate.
How about you have yourself a nice cup of hot tea, and simmer down, Hoss?
Sgt Bergdahl, it appears likely, left his post and went AWOL in AFG. He royally p*ssed off some of his platoon mates in so doing. OK, fair enough.
Sgt Bergdahl also, for his troubles and mistakes, spent 5 years as a guest of the Taliban. THE Taliban. In a box. He spent most of five years in a box.
Re-read that, please. In a friggin' box. alone, for five years.
And you, the righteous, patriotic New Yorker who likely never served, want to see him now in jail?? Who are you to judge Bergdahl so harshly?
Furthermore, those five Taliban commanders we traded? Re-inserting them a decade on back in to the Taliban leadership structure in 2014, was highly disruptive to the young bucks who since came up, and is a hit to them. More importantly, if you had any cop, you would know those Taliban out wandering around full of bio-sensors and trackable and "helpful". Semper Fi.
33
Put the guy through multiple tours of duty and when he finally cracks, punish him. This is what I'd expect from a society that is given to seeing every problem in the world as having a military solution, and a society whose economy is driven, in large part, by military spending.
16
Bergdahl was on his first deployment, not multiple, to Afghanistan. He deployed to Afghanistan May 2009 and deserted June 30 2009 -- less than two months.
Sorry to let the facts get in the way of your story.
Sorry to let the facts get in the way of your story.
15
How come the others didn't crack and desert? What about his dead comrades? Give up the 1960's world view and rhetoric.
14
So many people can find a way to blame Obama for everything. This man did not say he was deserting, did he? His 'fellow soldiers' said that John Kerry was a liar and coward, neither of which is true. Fellow soldiers have their own problems. Sometimes they read things wrong.
It was absolutely right for Obama to do a prisoner swap for an American soldier. No matter what! We do not leave our soldiers behind!
It was absolutely right for Obama to do a prisoner swap for an American soldier. No matter what! We do not leave our soldiers behind!
130
We do not leave our soilders behind?? Obama traded 5 Taliban leaders for this deserter, who converted to Islam and who betrayed our country.. When he WALKED away from his post and JOINED the enemy, he sacraficed that the honor of being an American Soilder. However when Obama LEFT BEHIND the 4 in Benghazi that was OK right?? Oh and don't forget the US Marine that sat in a Mexican jail for months and Obama didn't lift a finger!! Of you believe Obama is looking out for America then you have serious issues.
9
The U.S. does not entire with terrorists. But under this banana republic...
Please explain how it is possible to wrongly "read" the act of voluntarily walking away from your post with all your gear, straight into the hands of the enemy.
Bergdahl was there in the first place because of George Bush/Dick Cheney lies. Why were we even in Iraq, at all?
I'm not a huge Obama fan, but he did the right thing - we don't leave soldiers behind, ever.
Bergdahl appeared to have mental health issues that complicated his service in the Iraqi hellhole. He's one more of the 10's of thousands of young Americans whose lives have been irreparably harmed by the Bush/Cheney lie.
Of course, the mad dogs in the conservative media will spin this and vilify Obama and Beghdahl - it's already started.
I'm not a huge Obama fan, but he did the right thing - we don't leave soldiers behind, ever.
Bergdahl appeared to have mental health issues that complicated his service in the Iraqi hellhole. He's one more of the 10's of thousands of young Americans whose lives have been irreparably harmed by the Bush/Cheney lie.
Of course, the mad dogs in the conservative media will spin this and vilify Obama and Beghdahl - it's already started.
88
Bergdahl left ("deserted," some might say) his unit in Afghanistan, not Iraq. An organization based in Afghanistan operated with impunity there and planned a massively-successful attack on the United States on September 11, 2001. Thus, we sent military forces to Afghanistan to destroy that organization's ability to reach the United States. Repeating "it's Bush/Cheney's fault" will not alter any of those facts.
19
I know it's been mentioned, but I think it's worth mentioning again: Bergdahl deserted in AFGHANISTAN. Moreover, as a veteran who served in Afghanistan, I hope he gets a court martial and a lengthy prison sentence. Lastly, other Soldiers died looking for him, which, I hope, will grate on his conscience for the rest of his life.
8
Bergdahl's unit was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2009.
Obama was Commander in Chief, not Bush, when Bergdahl deployed to Afghanistan -- not Iraq.
Afghanistan was the was Obama elected to send 30,000 additional troops.
You might want to get your facts right before you attempt to provide cover for your hero, President Obama.
Obama was Commander in Chief, not Bush, when Bergdahl deployed to Afghanistan -- not Iraq.
Afghanistan was the was Obama elected to send 30,000 additional troops.
You might want to get your facts right before you attempt to provide cover for your hero, President Obama.
8
Rescuing a captured prisoner of war is worth doing. If my brother had been captured in Afghanistan, of course I would expect the government that sent hi there to do everything possible to bring him home.
I do not understand the mentality of those who wish to see a young man further punished - one who volunteered to serve his country and who did so in bad conditions, one who obviously suffered from PTSD, and who was kept in terrible conditions for five years by terrorists including years in a cage.
Pres. Bush released almost 500 prisoners from Guantanamo with no outcry from the far right.
Once again, hatred for Pres. Obama overcomes patriotism on the part of the right wing. Next they will want any member of the military to be proven to have voted Republican before they are deemed worthy of humane treatment or recognition.
I saw Republican television commercials in the past trashing triple amputee and Vietnam veteran Sen. Max Cleland as a traitor, with Osama bin Laden over one shoulder and Saddam Hussein over his other, while his opponent who never served due to a trick knee surrounded himself with a wall of brass and won.
I do not understand the mentality of those who wish to see a young man further punished - one who volunteered to serve his country and who did so in bad conditions, one who obviously suffered from PTSD, and who was kept in terrible conditions for five years by terrorists including years in a cage.
Pres. Bush released almost 500 prisoners from Guantanamo with no outcry from the far right.
Once again, hatred for Pres. Obama overcomes patriotism on the part of the right wing. Next they will want any member of the military to be proven to have voted Republican before they are deemed worthy of humane treatment or recognition.
I saw Republican television commercials in the past trashing triple amputee and Vietnam veteran Sen. Max Cleland as a traitor, with Osama bin Laden over one shoulder and Saddam Hussein over his other, while his opponent who never served due to a trick knee surrounded himself with a wall of brass and won.
102
Doesn't matter if the military gets to vote.........somehow they never make it back in time to be counted.
Obama wouldn't get 2% of the military vote............but all the cemetery and undocumented democrat votes will make the counting room 2 or 3 times.
Obama wouldn't get 2% of the military vote............but all the cemetery and undocumented democrat votes will make the counting room 2 or 3 times.
1
What?
My dad served and I'm pretty sure his votes were counted. You really ought to back up your assertions.
My dad served and I'm pretty sure his votes were counted. You really ought to back up your assertions.
2
And when we will be charging Lt. G.W. Bush for desertion from the National Guard during wartime?
71
Ask Dan Rather. Geeez.....
10
Or ask the U.S. government - oh wait, they lost his service records. They have every single one from the past 70 years stored in a facility in Colorado, but they just couldn't find George's. Quite a coincidence! Or maybe we could talk to the people George served with in Alabama in '72-'73. Oh, wait again, we haven't found one yet. Hmmmm. Gee, I guess I'll just take George's word for it: "I was there!"
the charge of desertion and a court martial are appropriate. after his dishonorable discharge, bergdahl can give a statement thanking the government and military for all they had to go through to get him back alive.
7
Another umentioned embarrassment is that it took the DOD and the Army this long to process the case of one deserter. They deny political involvement so it must massive, shameful incompetence I guess. Just what the Army needs.
6
@Maxine: "... this long to process the case of one deserter."
The article says: "Sergeant Bergdahl ... was released in May 2014 ..."
That's about 10 months ago. How long should it have taken "to process the case"?
The article says: "Sergeant Bergdahl ... was released in May 2014 ..."
That's about 10 months ago. How long should it have taken "to process the case"?
3
The investigation, sans an interview with Bergdahl, was completed in 2010. Look it up. There are such things as facts.
2
Once again, from reading the comments, people who have never been to war telling us about war.
It was a couple of war dodging literal guy cheerleaders, Reagan and Boy George who 1) armed the Afghan fundamentalists who changed their name to Taliban and 2) first thing after invading Afghanistan, allowed bin Laden to sashay, unmolested, out of Tora Bora.
1st Aviation Brigade
US Army Republic of Viet Nam,
DaNang, '69-'70.
It was a couple of war dodging literal guy cheerleaders, Reagan and Boy George who 1) armed the Afghan fundamentalists who changed their name to Taliban and 2) first thing after invading Afghanistan, allowed bin Laden to sashay, unmolested, out of Tora Bora.
1st Aviation Brigade
US Army Republic of Viet Nam,
DaNang, '69-'70.
152
Other people have been to war for real. What does your comment have to do with the story or is it meant to give Obama and his pet deserter cover.
6
Maxine - CG's comment was entirely relevant. The war in Afghanistan is why Sgt. Bergdahl was there. If Bin Laden had not been allowed to escape at Tora Bora by diverting the specialist troops to Iraq, the terrorist who caused 9/11 would have died much sooner and presumably the war in Afghanistan would have been over.
Honorable service in Viet Nam is relevant also. My brother was in Afghanistan and in danger. No matter what the circumstances, I would hope that the government that sent him there would try to rescue him. It has done as much for American civilians who have deliberately placed themselves in danger in these countries. Whatever happened to America first anyway? When did that morph to Hate Obama first?
Honorable service in Viet Nam is relevant also. My brother was in Afghanistan and in danger. No matter what the circumstances, I would hope that the government that sent him there would try to rescue him. It has done as much for American civilians who have deliberately placed themselves in danger in these countries. Whatever happened to America first anyway? When did that morph to Hate Obama first?
8
Bringing back a captured American soldier, not what the circumstances, is something the military ought to do. Obama doesn't need cover and Bergdahl is not anyone's "pet deserter"
4
After being held for several years by members of the brutal Haqqani network my guess is Sgt. Bergdahl has paid an extremely high price if he is found to have deserted his military post. I do not believe further punishment serves any good purpose.
36
What about all of the people that died looking for him? What about punishment for that?
5
The crowd that purposely lied the entire into Iraq wants death to a single soldier for desertion?
The unmitigated gall.
The unmitigated gall.
83
Trading 5 vicious terrorists for one deserter. Yeah...sounds fair, right?
20
The 5 senior Taliban exchanged for accused deserter Bowe Bergdahl are to be released from custody by Qatar in May.
I hope that President Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran result in a better deal for the United States than the one for Bergdahl.
I hope that President Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran result in a better deal for the United States than the one for Bergdahl.
13
We also were able to find and eliminate several senior members of the Haqqani network after rescuing ( and debriefing ) Bergdahl, FYI.
And we don't leave Americans behind . He is facing military justice. As is appropriate.
And we don't leave Americans behind . He is facing military justice. As is appropriate.
32
Link?
Another Obama victory. Risking the lives of those who had to make the switch he releases 5 mass murderers for a deserter thinking it would be a publicity coup.
Next, the liberal media will rationalize this embarrassment and make Obama and Bergdahl the victims or they will drop the story so fast our heads will spend. Page 1 today and page 47 tomorrow. What new crisis or made up story will be headlines tomorrow to bury this story?
Next, the liberal media will rationalize this embarrassment and make Obama and Bergdahl the victims or they will drop the story so fast our heads will spend. Page 1 today and page 47 tomorrow. What new crisis or made up story will be headlines tomorrow to bury this story?
48
You call the 5 Taliban released from Guantanamo "mass murderers." Do you know specifically what they were charged with and how long they were held? Regarding U.S. servicemen held as POWs, do you think it's appropriate to judge them without trial and use this as the only criterion as to whether we try to get them back? Lastly, Bergdahl deserted, but what was his destination in the middle of nowhere Afghanistan? Do you really think any mentally sound human being would go wandering off their base into hostile territory?
39
Can you say "childish, cheap rationalizations"? Until recently there were still deserters living in NK. There never has been ant desire to risk lives or make stupid deals to get deserters back. Some people, fanatics, will sink to any depth or go through any mental contortion to defend Obama. I don't know which is more embarrassing him or them.
4
And some people have a hard time saying anything that Obama does might actually be right. Let's let the soldier have his day in court before we "decide" what the verdict should be. How about following the rules??
3
It's hard for me to understand how the entire Obama administration went out on a limb for Bergdahl. From the ego trip Rose Garden fiasco to Susan Rice and the then press secretary Jay Carney telling the world that Bergdahl served with honor and distinction. What on earth were they thinking? They HAD to know there was word Bowe left his platoon. At minimum, if they still felt he should be brought home, do not make him a hero. That's Being President 101 in my book. I give Obama an F.
97
I am a veteran of the US Army. We never leave a man/woman behind no matter what. We get them home one way or another and sort it out when the're home. The system worked as one commenter said - now he is being charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He will be found guilty of desertion and I hope he will be sentenced to time served under the Taliban. If you disagree please consider what it's like to be in Taliban custody for five years. Think real hard about that.
16
You don't understand because you haven't worn the uniform. No one has 'made him a hero'.
7
If Obama gets an F, what do you give the neo-con war mongers who STARTED this horrible mess?
I hold Dick, 5 times draft deferred, Cheney, W who played in the Texas Air National Guard, Rumsfield who played with flight simulators here, Lindsey Graham who lied for years about his service when he never left South Carolina as a JAG officer.
No these are the men and more that should be in stocks and punished.
Blaming Obama is beyond the pale!
I hold Dick, 5 times draft deferred, Cheney, W who played in the Texas Air National Guard, Rumsfield who played with flight simulators here, Lindsey Graham who lied for years about his service when he never left South Carolina as a JAG officer.
No these are the men and more that should be in stocks and punished.
Blaming Obama is beyond the pale!
16
That sounds about right.
Ever since the stories about him started running, it sounded like desertion. You have to punish desertion, even if you don't really blame the guy. I still thank God he was brought home.
Ever since the stories about him started running, it sounded like desertion. You have to punish desertion, even if you don't really blame the guy. I still thank God he was brought home.
14
It seems perfectly reasonable to charge Mr. Bergdahl with desertion, but punish him only by a dishonorable discharge (which would be mandated by the conviction). He was a POW in rough circumstances for 5 years, I'd say that's punishment enough, particularly as his desertion didn't cause any direct harm to our troops. If he'd deserted and then assisted the taliban in their attacks in any way, it'd be a different story.
From all I've read on this story, Mr. Bergdahl was not a good fit for foreign deployment, or probably the armed services at all. Mild mental illness seems likely (just depression or anxiety disorder), and going to Afghanistan probably broke him.
People are probably going to be screaming for his head, I'm thinking the extreme conservatives will, because they're rather similar to the taliban and think in terms of vengeance. But I think we should go as easy on Mr. Bergdahl as possible, he deserves pity more than fury, and should also extend the benefit of the doubt to any of our soldiers we're sending into harm's way.
From all I've read on this story, Mr. Bergdahl was not a good fit for foreign deployment, or probably the armed services at all. Mild mental illness seems likely (just depression or anxiety disorder), and going to Afghanistan probably broke him.
People are probably going to be screaming for his head, I'm thinking the extreme conservatives will, because they're rather similar to the taliban and think in terms of vengeance. But I think we should go as easy on Mr. Bergdahl as possible, he deserves pity more than fury, and should also extend the benefit of the doubt to any of our soldiers we're sending into harm's way.
434
Petraeus gets a pass....young soldiers get punished.
18
1
You apparently fail to recognize that he DID assist the Taliban and every other terror organization by emboldening them. The POTUS released known terrorists to Yemen (of all places) in exchange for this traitor. He is lucky not to be charged with treason.
The larger issue is not this soldier's actions, but the disgraceful way in which the POTUS deserted our heroic troops and put them in more danger.
The larger issue is not this soldier's actions, but the disgraceful way in which the POTUS deserted our heroic troops and put them in more danger.
3
If he is convicted, I hope he is sentenced to "time already served in Afghanistan" and, wouldn't that be the truth.
61
And let's not forget, as Susan Rice insisted...
Bowe Bergdahl served "with honor and distinction".
Bowe Bergdahl served "with honor and distinction".
14
The promotion of Bergdahl and then the trade for our worst enemies is an insult to every American and a slap in the face of every soldier who has ever served under fire.
65
Not to this Viet Nam veteran, a volunteer.
You NEVER leave a man behind. No matter what.
Of course, all these Viet Nam dodgers might disagree:
Bush, Cheney, Rove, Romney, Gingrich, Limbaugh, Giuliani, La Pierre, Nugent, Buchanan, Quayle, Perry, Chambliss, Crapo, Corker, De Mint, Kristol, Libby, Wolfowitz.
You NEVER leave a man behind. No matter what.
Of course, all these Viet Nam dodgers might disagree:
Bush, Cheney, Rove, Romney, Gingrich, Limbaugh, Giuliani, La Pierre, Nugent, Buchanan, Quayle, Perry, Chambliss, Crapo, Corker, De Mint, Kristol, Libby, Wolfowitz.
356
During most of it wars the United States has refused to exchange prisoners. During the Civil War, thousands of U.S.s soldiers died in prison vamps because the United States would not agree to a prisoner exchange it thought befitted Confederacy, which was running short of manpower. The Bergdahl prisoner exchange violated long-standing policy of not negotiating with terrorist organizations.
5
I'm sure glad I'm not a member of libertyville's family.
42
Agreed, it is unfortunate that we no longer execute deserters as The Buddy says. It's now a mere legal matter, rather than properly a high crime against the nation.
Worse that we made a horrible trade and released several true dedicated enemy combatants in order to have a traitor returned to us, and are likely to set that traitor free with nothing more than a dishonorable discharge.
Worse that we made a horrible trade and released several true dedicated enemy combatants in order to have a traitor returned to us, and are likely to set that traitor free with nothing more than a dishonorable discharge.
13
The policies of several successive administrations in Washington, D.C. need to be held accountable for the endless wars since 2001 that this nation has been, and is, involved in. Sergeant Bergdahl needs to be discharged and receive benefits. This government has a long history of placing servicemen and women in harm's way and then cutting them lose when the horror of war becomes apparent in many individuals' actions.
It does not seem that nations like Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and Yemen, to name a few, are exactly success stories. War is the horror and it does horrible things to many who serve.
It does not seem that nations like Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and Yemen, to name a few, are exactly success stories. War is the horror and it does horrible things to many who serve.
308
Whoops: That should be "loose."
1
The sergeant enlisted and served TWO MONTHS in Afghanistan before he deserted. And for that he needs to receive benefits? Come on!
43
And just how would you have fought back against Bin Laden, Howie? A stern UN declaration? Do you also criticize Israel when they fight back against terrorists?
9
Uh oh, the right wingers won't ever let us here the end of this.
They've been saying Mr Obama traded Terrorist Murderers for a Deserter in Afghanistan while leaving a decorate US marine to rot in a Mexican prison.
They've been saying Mr Obama traded Terrorist Murderers for a Deserter in Afghanistan while leaving a decorate US marine to rot in a Mexican prison.
14
They are saying this because it is precisely true.
32
@Michael
Looks like what they have been saying is right. I say the same thing.
Guess it doesn't bother the left wingers.
Looks like what they have been saying is right. I say the same thing.
Guess it doesn't bother the left wingers.
20
But that's what Obama did.
15
Desertion in time of war is punishable by death by firing squad. Why is this not being applied here in this case? One must assume we were at war since many men were lost and injured in Afghanistan where the act took place.
13
I believe the last person shot for desertion was in WWII. Perhaps we have come to understand that we are not perfect people and have limited comprehension of what combat is like and how it impacts those involved. Why make an example of this man when we have not done so for over half a century?
I don't feel personally qualified to say what punishment should be meted out without actually hearing more of the facts; not just the press reports, which are clearly limited.
I don't feel personally qualified to say what punishment should be meted out without actually hearing more of the facts; not just the press reports, which are clearly limited.
29
Congress did not declare war, so his action was not technically in time of war.
17
Do you blieve the men who served with him, or are they not qualified to judge him either?
5
The system worked, but don't expect the president's opponents to see it that way.
Despite compelling information he may have deserted, it was impossible to know for sure, so we brought him home. It appears that over the past months, a careful examination and investigation occurred and he has been charged. He will have his day in court. If found guilty of desertion, he will be punished fairly and legally.
Despite compelling information he may have deserted, it was impossible to know for sure, so we brought him home. It appears that over the past months, a careful examination and investigation occurred and he has been charged. He will have his day in court. If found guilty of desertion, he will be punished fairly and legally.
209
You might want to read the article. Looks like it's been unofficially decided not to seek prison time. I swear, if I didn't know Obama was a great man, I'd think he's made a mess out of foreign policy, what Americans deserve punishment (he thinks the police generally do and criticizes jury acquittals (Zimmerman), apologizes to our enemies (his Cairo speech, Spring 2009). Fortunately it's explained on various sites that he's way way ahead of we normal people in thinking big.
11
@ RP Smith - "The system worked, but don't expect the president's opponents to see it that way."
What? Have you forgotten the five major terrorist leaders that were set free? Exactly what kind of system worked and can we have those terrorist leaders back?
What? Have you forgotten the five major terrorist leaders that were set free? Exactly what kind of system worked and can we have those terrorist leaders back?
11
I agree with all of that but it omits an important part of the equation: the fact that five Taliban leaders were exchanged for him.
2
Most people with a pulse saw this one coming.
The only people who refused to see it are the same ones who can't bring themselves to admit that the current Administration has enough egg on its face to make a nice omelet.
Want some cheese with those eggs, Obama?
The only people who refused to see it are the same ones who can't bring themselves to admit that the current Administration has enough egg on its face to make a nice omelet.
Want some cheese with those eggs, Obama?
66
Wow Brian!
You know, I woke up this morning and one of my teeth has been bothering me. I'm pretty sure Obama has something to do with it.
What do you think?
You know, I woke up this morning and one of my teeth has been bothering me. I'm pretty sure Obama has something to do with it.
What do you think?
86
And if Bergdahl's head was lopped off by ISIS on television without knowing the truth, how much egg do you suppose the president would have on his face?
45
Really reveling in this aren't you? I'm certain you never signed up for the armed services, nor got anywhere near a war zone, nor actually served our country in any way. I get this certainty from your sneering, vindictive tone, and utter lack of compassion for our soldiers.
96
At least we're at the point where the issue can be settled as a legal matter, and the army no longer issues the death penalty to deserters.
12
If you have served in the military, how can you even make such a statement which appeases this person who put his buddies in grave danger and cost the lives of some trying to retrieve him? The one essential need of a soldier is to be able to count on his fellow soldiers to aid him; how could anyone count on the likes of Bergdahl?
22
@TB: "... the army no longer issues the death penalty to deserters."
As of 2012, the maximum punishment for desertion "In time of war" is:
"Death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct."
See the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), United States (2012 Edition):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_for_Courts-Martial
As of 2012, the maximum punishment for desertion "In time of war" is:
"Death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct."
See the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), United States (2012 Edition):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_for_Courts-Martial
The U.S. military has executed a serviceman for desertion since 1945, when the Army executed Private Eddie Slovak, who had deserted multiple times. Even then, the Army offered to drop charge if he agreed to return to his unit. He refused, thinking the Army would not follow through on the prosecution or give him only a token punishment.
3