Bergdahl could face court martial; how do you think it should be handled?

2014-12-22T21:17:52-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/22/politics/bowe-bergdahl-case-kicked-up-chain-command/

Bergdahl case moves up chain of command - CNNPolitics.com

The investigation into U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier who was released by the Taliban in a prisoner swap this May, has been kicked up the chain of command.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Dec 22 at 2014 9:22 PM

2014-12-22T21:22:03-05:00

Well, let the process work the way it should. If he is smart, he will probably strike a deal.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 22 at 2014 10:22 PM

2014-12-22T22:22:24-05:00

Treat him no differently than any other service member. If he did the crime, he shold do the time, and no back of course.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:34 PM

2014-12-22T22:34:10-05:00

Let the process work. Ain't much we can do getting worked up about it. I'm far more concerned about those in our military who may be getting punished unfairly, such as Lt. Lorance, than I am about somebody possibly not getting punished.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-12-22T22:39:31-05:00

It sounds like he got an Article 32 investigation. If there is enough evidence to support charges than he should be given a day in court under the assumption of innocence. Let the facts go where they may and the judgement accordingly. He should not be brought to trial just to appease political position and rhetoric, but only on the hard core fats that support the charges and nothing more.

Anything less is a detriment to the UCMJ and the justice system as a whole.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Dec 22 at 2014 11:01 PM

2014-12-22T23:01:06-05:00

Probably won't learn anything new in a court-martial. It's apparent he's disserted his post. If he acknowledges this, I'd charge him (as NCO, recommend the charge) Article 85 desertion. Initiate chapter under Chapter 10, which is chapter in lieu of court-martial for other the honorable conditions. be done with it. The military just need to wash its hands of this guy.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 23 at 2014 2:24 AM

2014-12-23T02:24:44-05:00

He has not been treated like any other soldier who deserted his unit and post during war. He is sitting on a wallet of $300,000.00 back pay and at a cushy desk job at Fort Sam . He won't even get a dishonorable discharge. Was deserter Burgdahl even a Sgt when he deserted? How many deserters families were on the lawn of the White House with the president sending out praises to ali. Oh everyone talked such smack about President Bush but this clusterXXXX would have NEVER happened on the White House Lawn. He wouldn't have the 300,000.00 and we would be done with this Pony show.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Dec 23 at 2014 2:48 AM

2014-12-23T02:48:06-05:00

His actions were selfish and reckless and he shares the responsibility for those Soldiers killed looking for him. This process should be handled fair, thorough and transparent. Regardless whether the public ever knows the specifics, the families deserve to know.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 23 at 2014 2:49 AM

2014-12-23T02:49:11-05:00

Really? Like there aren't bigger issues out there than what some PFC less than 9 months out of boot did?
There is a serious argument he never should have worn the uniform, let alone been downrange.
I realize this is a politically charged case, but if it goes to CM, there are a lot of people who were involved at the time who's careers are going to be put under a microscope. Under most circumstances it would be written off as a disgruntled Private. But if it's determined a toxic command climate was responsible for the situation, he may not be the one getting court-martialed.

Response by SPC Ryan Boller made Dec 23 at 2014 7:37 AM

2014-12-23T07:37:49-05:00

I just want to know the truth. The briefing we received when he went missing said he walked away.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-12-23T10:55:39-05:00

I feel torn about it, because I do feel like he probably deserted, but I also feel like 5 years of living under Taliban captivity was probably punishment enough.

Response by CPO Raymond Kurtz made Dec 23 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-12-23T14:12:27-05:00

Ever since Jane Fonda sat on an anti-aircraft gun in downtown Hanoi and smiled gleefully at the thought of the gun being used to shoot down American aircraft, no one has been charged with treason.

All the evidence points to Bergdahl being a deserter. If he wasn't, we would have known the outcome by now. Bergdahl should be put away for life, instead he will be hailed as a hero just like Jane Fonda was when she returned from Vietnam.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 10:13 PM

2014-12-24T22:13:31-05:00

Well obviously the atmosphere shouldn't be too carnival.

So no cotton candy stall but we can keep the kettle corn, sno cone, and caramel apple guys booked.