Accused Army deserter Bowe Bergdahl has been informed by the U.S. Army that he faces a general court-martial. With this decision Bergdahl could face life imprisonment, as well as other consequences for his act of desertion. It highlights the seriousness in which the military sees Bergdahl’s actions with the Army Times reporting:
“The desertion charge, which falls under Article 85 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, carries a maximum punishment of five years confinement, a dishonorable discharge, reduction to the rank of E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
The misbehavior before the enemy charge, which falls under Article 99 of the UCMJ, carries a maximum punishment of confinement for life as well as a dishonorable discharge, reduction in rank to E-1, and forfeiture of pay and allowances.”
The Army’s announcement raises additional questions about President Obama’s decision to trade Bergdahl for five high-ranking Taliban detainees imprisoned in Guantánamo. It also questions the judgment of National Security Advisor Susan Rice who on June 1, 2014 stated that Bergdahl “served United States with honor and distinction.” Neither honesty nor getting the facts straight is of primary concern to this administration.
Filed under: Terrorism Tagged: Army, Bergdahl, court-martial, desertion, Obama, Rice
