Soldiers rarely prosecuted for desertion Army data shows

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, as cynical or negative for no reason (that's not my intent). But the more I think about the Bergdahl situation and the evidence that is public (which is a small fraction of the evidence considered, I know) -- I just don't anticipate a significant punishment being given to him, if any is even given. Overall, I have faith in the military's ability to make the right legal decision here based on the facts and evidence, not on what the public may be clamoring for. Whether or not it's hard for me to say this, Bergdahl deserves a just trial just like anyone else. As military folks we fight and bleed to protect those rights.

TSgt Joshua Copeland, PVT Edward Donald "Eddie" Slovik (February 18, 1920 – January 31, 1945) was a United States Army soldier during World War II and the only American soldier to be court-martialed and executed for desertion since the American Civil War.

I imagine many of the SMs end up pleading guilty or to a lesser charge to avoid a court marshal.